Memorials and Correspondence of Charles James Fox

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Ill

AKPOrOM

MEMORIALS

AND

CORRESPONDENCE

or

CHARLES JAMES FOX.

(Kj* The Author of this work gives notice that he reserves to
himself the right of translating it

MEMORIALS

AND

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

CHARLES JAMES FOX.

EDITED

BY LOED JOHN BUSSELL.

VOLUME IV.

LONDON:

EICHAED BENTLEY,
^uMirijcr in ©rtmarg to ffirr ifiajwrtg.

MDCCCLVU.

lokdow :
bradbury and iv a mb, prixtbrb, whitrtrlarti.

CORRESPONDENCE OF

CHARLES JAMES FOX.

BOOK THE SEVENTH.

I have now arrived at the last period of the cor-
respondence of Mr. Fox, and I shall preface it by a
very few remarks.

Some letters of 1803, and of the early part of 1804,
which had been omitted, are here inserted.

From the time when Mr. Fox returned to active
politics in 1804 till the period of his coming into
office in 1806, his correspondence with Lord Grey,
Lord Lauderdale, Lord Holland, and General Fitz-
patrick is very full. The period is one of so much
interest, and the conduct of such a man is of so much
importance, that I have retrenched little of this
correspondence. Some repetitions I have, however,
omitted.

Mr. Fox explains so clearly, and so openly, as his
manner was, his views to his friends, that I shall not
here attempt any further explanation of them.

VOL. IV. B

2 CORRESPONDENCE OF [;Etat. 54.

Lord Holland, in his memoirs of the Whig party,
after relating the circumstances of Mr. Fox's death,
adds, " His character could be best delineated by a
narrative of the leading events of his political life,
by a reference to his speeches and writings, by a
publication of many of his private letters, a descrip-
tion of his domestic life, and such fragments of his
conversation as the memory of his friends might
supply. Such a work I have long meditated." At
a later period Lord Holland, busy with politics, and
immersed in society, limited his hopes to the plan of
forming a collection of materials for the life of Mr. Fox.
He was not sanguine with respect to the completion of
even so much of his task, and he said to me one
day, "I suppose I shall not be able to finish my
book : I shall leave it to you to complete." Unfortu-
nately his labours carried him only to the period
when his own recollections of Mr. Fox's conversation
became distinct, and his own interest in politics lively
and intelligent. The present Lord Holland says in
a note, " My father abandoned this work at a later
period of his life. The late Mr. Allen commenced it,
but also gave it up. The ample materials left by my
father are now in Lord John Russell's hands for that
purpose."

Political employments still more absorbing than
those of the late Lord Holland have hitherto pre-
vented my doing more than publishing the collections
made by Lord Holland and Mr. Allen, with such
comments as I thought essential, and with the assist-
ance of some valuable notes furnished me by a friend, in

s *s

1608.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 8

illustration of the letters to Lord Holland published
in the third volume. I shall endeavour, in a separate
form, to place in a connected narrative the relation
of Mr. Fox's political career, and an account of his
times. In that manner the great events of his life
will be prominently set forth, and his public policy
fully discussed.

TO R. ADAIR, ESQ.

"January, 1803.

"Dear Adair,

" I send you back your newspaper, which,
I confess, I do not admire so much as you do. I
certainly think it too anti-Gallican, as it seems to look
to hopes from time which, at present, there is no
ground to form. I look upon Europe as much lost
to us as America, and all notions of recovering it,
unless some unexpected alterations happen, as
visionary. However, if Perry * had been so strong on
the other side that a circuitous route was necessary
to come round, I think the papers (for he has sent
me the preceding one) very judicious in that view.

" I am more afraid for peace than ever ; Bona-
parte^ insolence to us in his speech to the Swiss
Delegates is not only grating in itself, but is a
symptom that the nonsense talked here has produced
a strong effect upon his mind. I still hope, how-
ever, that his interest will determine him to be in no

* Mr. Perry, the honest and able editor of the " Morning Chronicle,"
which seems to be the newspaper referred to.

B 2

4 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 54.

degree the aggressor, and that our government will
not be quite foolish enough to put him in the right
by any violent act on their part. The business of
sending Moore does appear to have been very absurd
indeed, and one cannot wonder that Bonaparte
should consider it as more seriously meant than in
fact it probably was.* The Ministers, instead of
avoiding, ought to have sought an opportunity of
explaining themselves upon this point; but one of
their grand errors was that they spoke entirely with a
view to the Opposition, and not at all to the Consul.
A few civil words would have done all.

" Yours ever,

" C J. FOX."
"St. Ann's Hill, Tuesday."

TO SAME.

"1803.

" Dear Adair,

" I have just received your letter and the
Duchess's,! and can only say that if the P. of W.
wants to see me it will of course be my duty to wait
upon him, either in London, or w T herever else he
chooses to appoint : but that as to attending Par-
liament at present, it appears to me impossible that
any good can come of it. It is, as the P. very
properly says, respecting the war, both too soon and
too late ; too soon for anything like a junction and
strength, and too late for opposing the Defence Bill,

* This alludes probably to the mission of a confidential agent of the
British government to the borders of Switzerland. See " Alison's History
of Europe," vol. vi. p. 171. t Probably the Duchess of Devonshire.

t

1803.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. S

&c. &c. At the same time you may tell his R. H.
that I am very happy to find that my general
opinions are nearly the same as his. To add the
conscripts to the regulars would be far the best plan,
but whether Ids mode of raising recruits be at all
right, even for the purpose which I best like of a
regular army, is another question. If the conduct of
Ministers respecting Hanover be as blameable as
H. R. H. supposes, {and I have little doubt but he is
right,) a motion of inquiry may certainly be made on
that subject j and indeed this is the only thing like a
parliamentary measure that can be now taken"; and
remark how very unfavourable for such a motion the
time of the session and other circumstances are. It
ought not to be made without a perfect concert
between persons who are not in the habit of
concerting, and this alone would take some time.

" The part of the P.'s opinions in which I most
heartily concur is that which relates to the propriety he
thinks there would have been in waiting for some cause
of war in which other nations would have concurred.
Now as to men, you know I have no objection to any
set, and to some of those mentioned I have something
like partiality ; but you know the strong impressions
which many of my friends entertain against Wind-
ham, and everything of the name of Grenville. That
these prejudices must, if there is occasion, be resisted,
I am most ready to admit ; but until there seems some
opportunity of doing good, there is no use in doing
violence to the feelings of friends. Lord Spencer's
influence with the K. I suspect to exist only in the

6 CORRESPONDENCE OP [^Etat. 54.

P.'s imagination, nor do I conceive that any influence
can turn him against a ministry made in a manner so
agreeable to him. What then is to be done ? Alas !
I know not ; but I think the best chance is to wait for
the effect which these violent measures and outward
events will produce, and then if much discontent
should arise, a junction, such as the P. seems to wish,
may be produced, and the exertion of his R. H.'s
influence may very much contribute to give strength
— ay, and cordiality too, — to such a junction.

" One thing, however, it may be necessary to pre-
mise, viz. : that I cannot be one of any party who do not
see both the possibility and the eligibility of being
at peace with Bonaparte upon certain conditions. The
only question with me at all doubtful is, whether in the
expectation of the propriety of such a junction as has
been hinted at, hereafter, it might not be advisable
soon to have some concert provisionally, if I may so
express myself, between the P. and some at least of
the Grenvilles, Lord Spencer, &c, in order that our
respective modes of conduct might be such as at least
not to create new difficulties, if not to facilitate a
union next session. One good consequence of such
an understanding might be to put a stop to Moira's
rhodomontades, and other things of the kind. I am
sensible all this is a proceeding far too slow for the
Prince's impetuosity, an impetuosity which upon this
occasion, however, is much to his credit. If he and
those most immediately connected with him can
suggest any plan of more rapid operation, I am sure
I have no unwillingness to listen to it with all

1803.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 7

imaginable deference. In the meantime pray say
everything from me to his R. H. that is respectful
and affectionate, and if I might venture one piece of
advice, it would be to take great care not to say or do
anything that can tend to declare a personal enmity
between him and Bonaparte. I am sure this advice

is unnecessary, but the follies of and

make one feel an inclination to give it.

" Let me repeat, that with respect to men, I have
no objection. With. Lord Moira, however I may
disapprove of his late speeches, I always have lived,
and wish still to live, in friendship. Tom Grenville
and Windham I like, and Lord Grenville and Lord
Spencer are persons to me quite unexceptionable ; of
the abilities of the former I have also a very high
opinion. I have, I think, explained to you all my
feelings and opinions, and you will communicate as
much of them as you think proper.

" Yours ever,

"C. J. FOX.
"St. Ans's Hill, Monday.

" P.S. I observe I have said nothing of the blockade
of the Elbe. Upon the face of it, it appears a very
injudicious measure ; but the secret history may,
though I hardly think it will, make some difference.

" If I must go to the P., remember that to-morrow,
Friday, and Monday, would be the most inconvenient
days to me ; but surely there is no reason for my
going at all."

8 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 54.

MR. FOX TO MR. O'BRIEN.*

"St. Ann's Hill, June 26th, 1803.

" I shall hardly have time to answer your
two letters to-day, and, therefore, very briefly. I
still think as I did about the attack upon the
Grenvilles, and especially upon Lord Grenville. To
prove how impolitic it is, it is only necessary to
observe that we are exactly doing the work of the
Court: Are not they abusing the Grenvilles every day?
have they not had even the impudence to call them
bloodhounds ? and that too when they were about to
make a more unnecessary, if not a more odious, w r ar
than the last ? Even the milk-and-water Addington
gets to something like invective when he speaks of
them. And why are we to attack them ? as w r arriors?
are not they the true warriors who make a wicked
war, rather than those who talk absurdly against
peace? Besides, has not Lord G. said distinctly,
1st, that bad a3 the Peace of Amiens was, your sole
object ought to have been to keep the Consul to it ;
2ndly, that the Ministers, how r ever blameable for what
he calls former submissions, are still more so for
bringing on war at this time, and upon this question ?
You will not suspect me of denying that we have
sufficient cause of complaint against the Grenvilles ;
but, alas, against w r hom have we not ? and is this the
moment — when the Court is in direct and bitter

• Dennis O'Brien, Esq., a gentleman connected with the press. He was
a warm adherent of Mr. Fox., but much distrusted by many of his friends.

1803.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 9

hostility to thein, and when, moreover, Pitt and they
seem to be every day getting further distant from
each other, — is this the moment for us to attack them ?
At the beginning of the session the case was far
different ; there were then hopes with regard to the
conduct of the present Ministers which have now
vanished, and I cannot help thinking that, among the
different corps of the enemy, these Grenvilles are
those that have preserved most of something like a
trifle of reputation, and that, for that very reason,
they are most run down by the Court. Now ought
we to assist the Court in this ? I think not. On
the contrary, I think we ought to contend that there
is not the smallest reason for distinguishing any one
of these gangs as at all more set upon war than
another. Pitt is as bad in that respect as Windham,
and Addington as either of them ; with this differ-
ence, that the latter by his folly has contrived to lay
bare the injustice of our cause, more perhaps than

the others would have done in his place

" You are quite right in your system of doing
nothing. It is as wise as it is agreeable. I am very far
from wishing to make any coalition at this time, but
neither woidd I throw unnecessary impediments in
the way of any future one with any persons who are
capable of acting in real opposition. Pitt has shown
decidedly that he is not.

" Yours ever,

« c. J. FOX."

10 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 54.

TO SAME.

"July 6th, 1803.

" I am glad you agree to what I say concerning the
Grenvilles, &c., but shall be sorry if it makes you
wholly abandon your ill-fated book.* My reasons
are rather strengthened by the insolent manner with
which I hear Addington, now he thinks he is safe
from Pitt, attacks Windham in the House of Commons.
As to our difference concerning invasion and its con-
sequences, I still think they cannot venture it, but I
own the language of the French towns, &c, which I
suppose to be approved by Bonaparte, has a face the
other way, and if they do come, the extreme folly of
our Ministers and their measures makes me tremble
for London. However, I am one of those who think
that it is not true, that London lost, all is lost.
My main dependence is still upon the difficulty of
escaping our fleet so as to land in numbers, — a
difficulty which must, I think, deter Bonaparte
from the undertaking, and the rather because it is of
a nature not to be surmounted by exertion, but by
chance only. If it does not deter him, it will make
me think him not bold but rash, and I think the
probabilities are ten to one against his succeeding
even so far as to land."

* Probably some pamphlet that Mr. O'Brien was writing.

1S03.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 11

TO SAME.

"St. Ann's Hill, August 12th, 1803.

" I will not say anything of public affairs, but
Sheridan has outdone his usual outdoings. Folly
beyond all the past; but what degree of folly will
not extreme levity and vanity be capable of pro-
ducing? The P/s offer, and the refusal of it, ought,
I repeat, to be noticed more than it is. Cannot
you, without troubling yourself, give a hint to some
friend that it should be done ? "

TO SAME.
"St. Ann's Hill, December SQth, 1803.

" Many thanks for your letter, and pray write what
you hear of the intended invasion. I still think they
will find it very difficult to get out of their port3, and
still more so to reach England and land in safety; and
upon these difficulties my boldness rests. You do not
argue so logically as you usually do. Bonaparte is not
a fool, and would not, say you, attempt such an enter-
prise without reasonable hopes of success ; but in the
very next sentence, you say he has no other means of
making war but by invasion ; if this is so, it accounts
for his taking a mode by no means eligible in itself,
and where the chances are much against him ; for a
wise man will take bad means if he has no better.
This blowing weather, if it blows off our ships from his
coast, will also, in all probability, disperse his ships,
and still more his boats and floats, &c, if they put to

12 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 54.

sea. In short, I am bold, very bold, as long as they
are on the other side of the water or on the seas. If
they land, I am not in the same state of confidence ;
but even then, and supposing the enemy were to be
victorious, I hope — nay, I think — he will grievously
feel his want of communication with the Continent.
Remember, that in your favourite instance, Carthage
was not conquered till Rome had obtained a supe-
riority by sea as well as by land/'*

TO MR. ADAIR.

" December 2&th, 1803.

" Dear Adair,

" I had a letter by the same post from the
Duchess of D., relating merely to some general wish
of communication. I told her that if I had intended
to bring on the Irish business, I should have com-
municated ; but now there was nothing to commu-
nicate. Letters from Grattan and Ponsonby have
dissuaded me (though I remain wholly unconvinced)
from bringing on that business now, but I still
think, as I did before, that it is desirable that such
of our friends as are for, should make their opinions
known, at least to me."

* In these opinions about the chances of invasion, Mr. Fox came on one
side to nearly the same conclusions which Napoleon did on the other.
Napoleon's combinations, in order to become master of the sea, were
exceedingly able, and had it not been for two circumstances might have
succeeded. These two circumstances were, that operations by sea, to be
performed by sailing vessels, cannot be reduced to the same certainty as
marches by land ; and secondly, that Villeneuve, and not Napoleon, was
to direct them. Had the French landed, they might have caused a good
deal of confusion, but would easily have been cut off by sea, and must, in
all probability, have surrendered. — See Thiers, and Napoleon's conversation
with Lord Whitworth in the " Parliamentary Papers."

k.

I

CHARLES JAMES FOX.

TO GENERAL FTTZPATRICK.

"January lit, 1304.

" Yesterday, and not before, died James, Duke of
Monmouth, &c. It will be well if the historian has
not made as bungling a piece of work with him as
the hangman.

"The accounts from London all ore that an
attempt is to be expected immediately : if the troops
in Holland are really (as is said) embarked, it looks
sericus ; but I hope, and believe, too, that between
sailing and landing voXka fi<ra£j. I find the Dublin
papers are open-mouthed against my brother.* I
have not heard from Aim, but I understand by a
letter from Admiral Berkeley, there was something
going on to make hiin easy. He either had seen, or
was to see, Addington ; but Berkeley did not think
matters could be amicably settled. I rather wish
they could, if it can be done properly, and that
somebody should bring on the affair of the 23rd of
July, which is in no shape connected with him."f

" St. Ann's Hill, Sunday."

' General Fox. Ha m replaced by Lord CatlicarL See Lifo of Lord
Sidioouth. "It may be considered as Battled, that your present com-
mander-in-chief is to hive a command in the Mediterranean, for which he
is better calculated than for bis present situation, being certainly an
excellent officer, and a molt valuable man ; and that Lord Cathcart is to
succeed him in Ireland." Mr. Addington to Lord Hardwicke, August 25,
1803.

t The 23rd of July was the day of the murder of Lord Kilwarden by
a savage mob at Dublin.

14 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtjlt. 55.

TO SAME.

"January 6th, 1804.

" I do not yet give up the bringing on of the Irish
question: the Duke of Bedford has written me a
letter strongly in favour of it, and something is said
of the English Catholics wishing me to bring on their
claims ; with respect to this last circumstance, I shall
know more in a few days. If the thing is to be
done, Grey will come to move it. I have heard
nothing more since I wrote to you, except that the
invasion is to be this week or the next. Did you see
the Moniteur's observations on the King's Speech?
They were in the Morning Chronicle about ten
days or a fortnight ago, and are excellent."

" St. Ann's Hill, Friday:*

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

"St. Ann's Hill, January 22wrf, 1804.

" Depend on it, there is no truth in any treaty at
present — (I mean these last nine months) — with Pitt
or for Pitt.* I suspect there is foundation for what
Cobbett says of his concealment; indeed, I always
thought the confidence among the resigners was
partial ; certainly neither Lord Spencer or Windham
were completely trusted, still less Lord Cornwallis or
Lord Castlereagh : I think it equally certain that
Dundas was; with respect to Lord Grenville, I should

* Mr. Fox was quite mistaken. See Life of Lord Sidmouth.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 15

think it most doubtful. I suspect there were shades
and degrees, and that he was less trusted than
Dundas, and more than the others ; but of all this
more when we meet. At present, I can only guess
at these things ; I may by-and-by know more, but
it is more matter of curiosity than of interest."

TO GENERAL FITZPATRICK.

"January 27th, 1804,

" Dear Dick,

" I thought to have heard from you before
now, but should nevertheless have written if I had
come to any determination concerning the Irish
business. I hear George Ponsonby says to others
that it is only delay which he recommends, but I have
not yet had his promised letter, nor have I yet had
what I shortly expect, an account of Lord Fingal's
wishes upon the occasion; so I should naturally
remain upon this point in the same irresolution as
when I wrote last. But in the meantime a proposition
has been made to me, concerning which it is expected
I should give an answer, and indeed the fairness and
openness with which it has been made entitles the
makers of it to explicitness on my part. I have a
message by our old friend T. G.,* from his family and
friends, stating their wish to co-operate with me (and
friends, of course) in a systematic opposition for the
purpose of destroying the Doctor's Administration, and

* Mr. Thomas Granville.

16 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtxt. 55.

of substituting in its place one upon the most com-
prehensive basis possible. The first object (first in
point of time) is to oppose the bill which Ministers
are to bring in on the Volunteer business, and to
propose a general system of arming the people upon
the principles I approve, reducing the Militia to its
old quantum, putting an end to bidding for substitutes
&c, with many details which I am to see. When I
say this is the first in point of time, I ought to observe
that so it appears to me, for they stated a doubt
whether some inquiry relative to the 23rd of July, to
be moved by some friend of ours, might not precede
everything. I mention this to show that there is no
point of precedence as to which wing should begin
the attacks ; but to return, some inquiry into the
management of foreign politics is also suggested, and
more particularly if the war with Spain takes place, of
which I much doubt. Ireland and the Catholics are
left to my judgment. Upon their connection with
Pitt, I understand them to be quite explicit ; that it
is over, and that his opinions are no further to be
considered or looked to, than in a prudential view
with respect to the questions in which he might or
not join us. P. and Lord G. have had full expla-
nations ; the same proposal was made to him as is now-
made to me. His answer was, that the present
Ministry is weak and inadequate to the crisis ; that
their dismission will be a benefit to the country ; that
in case of such an event an Administration should be
formed upon the broadest possible basis; that if
His Majesty were on such an occasion to send for him,

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 17

he should think it right to endeavour to comprehend
in the arrangement all parties, and even those who
had been most hostile to him ; (N.B. This tallies exactly
with what we heard before ;) that in many points he
would support the new Opposition if it took place, but
that he was determined not to engage either with
Ministers or their opponents systematically. In short
he could not be what is called in Opposition. He
hinted too that these men might probably die of their
own weakness, an opinion too absurd I think for him
to entertain seriously. The truth seems to be that he
cannot give up the hope of being in some way
acceptable at Court ;* like Sancho he cannot quite give
up his hopes of the island, in which however he has
no faith whatever. As to measures he seems, as I am
told, not averse to the measure of new modelling
Volunteers', Military Defence, &c, but is against
inquiry into the 23rd of July, as that is a retrospec-
tive measure. And this I think will be the rule of his
conduct. He will oppose Ministers in cases where
there is a pretence to say, we are suggesting better
measures to be pursued, but oppose inquiries as their
object is to censure the past, rather than to provide
for the future. Censures lead to removals, removal is
the King* a prerogative : mind, however, this reasoning
is what I impute to him, not what he avowed. If the
report is true, that Ministers are to bring in a
Declaratory Bill, justifying the Attorney- General's
opinion, and of course condemning Erskinc's, it would

* This remark resembles one which Burke made on Lord Chatham : —
" A peep into that closet intoxicates him."

VOL. iv. c

18 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 55.

be the best possible opportunity of commencing
operations. Erskine would not only be safe with
us, but furious, and the more so as he says the whole
bar or nearly is with him ; and even Sheridan will
not like to take a part which will be generally con-
sidered as hostile to the liberty of the volunteers ; of
course Tierney and the Southwark volunteers entreront
enjeu. In short, it would be a better question for us
than any we could devise, if we had a friend to advise
the Doctor for us. But though this report is
universally credited, and though it is difficult for
anything to be too foolish for the Doctor, I confess I
doubt it very much, and the more so because I see in
to day's paper, that Erskine has got a certiorari by
which means the question will shortly come before the
King's Bench. However, if they do not bring a
Declaratory Bill, they will certainly bring in some bill,
which will be distasteful to a great number of the
volunteers, relative to the election of officers, fries for
absence, 8fc.

" My answer was that, I thought with them upon
all the subjects discussed, and that I felt no re-
pugnance to agree to the proposal, at least in some
degree, but that I must have some days before I could
answer. Now what is your advice ? If Grey would
come to town to stay and engage heartily, (of which,
if he would come, I have no doubt,) perhaps it would
be right to say yes, perhaps it is right even now. But
the inconvenience is terrible, for to do the thing
thoroughly without a stay in London is impossible,
and then expense, interruption to history, &c. &c,

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 19

where after all there is no chance of success ; it is
very hard to encounter all this. Suppose I were to
answer that I will give them all occasional help in my
power, but that I cannot alter my plan of life so as to
give a regular attendance in Parliament, and that I am
afraid Grey can hardly be induced to come up. I
must finish now, though I have omitted several
circumstances, and among others a very important
one, that our old friend * sees the possibility, nay the
probability, that if we succeed in ousting the Doctor,
P. may return to power, and after having proposed
terms in vain to some of the Opposition, may put
himself at the head of the present Administration, or
one like it, and this is admitted to be an objection to
the plan. I do not feel this so much as he does, but
many others will.f

" Yours affectionately,

u £J ( J p

" St. Ann's Hill, Friday."

TO SAME.

" January 2&th, 1804.

" I was interrupted in my letter yesterday, and
have an opportunity of sending this to London, so I
will add a little supplement, the most material part of
which is to say, pray come as soon as you can.
Mrs. F. says I should say nothing but come, come,
come, and she would say it down on her knees. You
know she thinks there is no adviser but you. Pray
by return of post say when you come exactly. I

* Mr. Thomas Grcnville. f It is exactly what happened.

c 2

20 CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. 55.

should have mentioned yesterday, that our friend was
very distinct as to the persons who were parties to the
proposal — i.e. all of his own name and family, Lord
Spencer, Windham, &c. He had seen Carlisle, and he
was much for it, and thought he could answer for
Morpeth. Of Fitzwilliam, of course, there could be no
doubt. He knew nothing of Canning or Lord Gran-
ville,* but rather guessed that Lord Stafford would
hang off with Pitt ; of Lord Melville he knows no
more than we do. He thinks that if Pitt offered to
stay in without Catholic Emancipation, (and by what I
hear of Charles Long's pamphlet, that if, is now a
certainty,) he concealed the circumstance from all his
colleagues, except Dundas. I hear Cobbeft asserts
this positively. You and I, you know, always sus-
pected some concealment, but such a circumstance as
this, and concealed from Lord Grenville too ! quel
homme! adieu, write and come.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.
"St. Ann's Hill> Saturday"

TO D. O'BRIEN, ESQ.

"January 29^,1804.

" I do think, as Perry does, that Publicus f comes
from some friends of Pitt's, but among the different
sections, which is entitled to the appellation of bosom
friends, I know not ; my opinion is, that he is a man
incapable of reposing thorough confidence in any

* Lord Granville Leveson Gower, afterwards Earl Granville.
+ A letter in the "Public Advertiser" with that signature.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 21

friend. I dare say he did not see it himself, but I
have good reason to believe that he would approve
far the greater part of the letter. I rather think if
he had looked it over, he would have erased the
incivility to me, and put the question more upon the
impropriety of his going into Opposition at all, than
upon the associates he was to engage with in such a
business ; but perhaps I am too candid. Rose and
his creatures are the set of P.'s friends who have, I
believe, most to say to the ' True Briton/ and are,
besides, those from whom such sentiments as those of
Publicus are most likely to come. I have reason to
believe the meeting you heard of between P. and
Lord Grenville was political, but not with the view
you heard.* I suspect it was for the purpose of a final
explanation, before they took their different roads,
and that Lord G. is very much dissatisfied. P. will
not go into Opposition systematically, though he
means to take opportunities of discrediting the Doctor,
while the other, on the contrary, wishes to make and
join in as extensive and systematical an Opposition as
can be formed. It will, therefore, I think, be shortly
understood, that all political connection between them
is over. Mind all this is in confidence, though I hope
and believe it will soon be known. What part will
be taken by Canning and his (friends), I have no
guess, though I know their inclination is for action,
but whether or not they will have leave, remains to be
seen. They say that P. has a notion that these
Ministers must go, and that, in that case, he may

* See "Courts and Cabinets," &c. voL iii. p. 342.

22 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 55.

return to power, without the odium at Court of
having been in Opposition; I cannot think he
can be weak enough to have such a hope, " but Love
will hope where reason would despair," and Sancho
Panza could never quite give up the idea of his island
after he had discovered the vanity and illusion of his
master's plan. It is certain that, if he offered to stay
in without Catholic Emancipation, the offer was con-
cealed from all his colleagues except Dundas. I say
if, because I am told the pamphlet does not make
that point so clear as you suppose ; I have, however,
no doubt of the fact nor ever had."

TO GENERAL FITZPATRICK.

" February 2Uh,im.

" I suppose the system of sliding, as you call it,
into a junction must be adopted, but you must
recollect that one great advantage is lost by that
method, I mean that it puts an end to that decisive
disconnection with Pitt, which the other mode would
nail. Besides, in cases where he joins them (as I
suppose he will in the course of the Volunteer Bill)
they will appear rather following him than us. But
it cannot be helped — whatever prejudices Plumer and
other good men may have, surely they must see that
in case of junction, we have so very decisively the
lead in the House of Commons, that there can be no
doubt upon that point.

" Yours, affectionately,

" C. J. F.
" Friday:*

1801] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 23

TO SAME.

" February 25M, 1804.

" Dear Dick,

" I shall be in town Monday, and at the
House, though there will be probably nothing to do
there. I hope I shall see Lord Grenville on Tuesday, and
then I shall be able to tell my friends (pretty unreason-
able friends they are) something of the matter. I have
a letter from Whitbread, and it will probably be as
he wishes, but do not you see that by this mode, the
objection (which others lay more stress on than I do),
of Pitt's taking advantage, gains tenfold strength?
He can, in this case, (if the King will let him,) come
in with just as many, or as few, of his old colleagues
as he chooses, and they will have no motive to withhold
them from following him. If a real junction had
taken place, he must be driven to the alternative of
coming in with the present men, or not at all. That
there should be some divisions and debates previous to
any regular junction may be right, but if it does not
take place no good can be done, " nor if it does " you
may answer, and I cannot easily reply ; but one likes
to have done for the best. I think the style of this
letter will sufficiently inform you that Mrs. F. is quite
well again.

" Yours affectionately,

" C. J. F.
11 Saturday morning. 1 '

24 CORRESPONDENCE OF (>Etat. 55.

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

"March 15th, 1804.

" Dear Lauderdale,

" I write to you as you desire it, though
I have little worth communicating. The K. is, I
believe, recovering, but certainly not recovered as yet.
They go on just as if he was as well as ever, and for
the present this is endured without any very general
impatience. That it will be long so endured, I can
hardly believe, because even now, and much more a
fortnight ago, I have perceived what appear to me to
be symptoms of some dissatisfaction upon this head.
That the Ministers will venture everything for their
places, I always believed, and it now seems certain.
Three years ago, after the K. had recovered suffici-
ently to invest them in their offices, it is known, and
now scarcely disavowed, that he had a severe relapse,
and was for weeks at Kew, in such a state as neither
to see Ministers or family ; and yet these very men,
from whose timidity so much is expected, ventured to
conceal this relapse, and even to deny it, and went on
just as if nothing had happened ! The K. is now, I
really believe, much better than he has been, as far as
quiet and composure go, but I suspect they are as
much afraid as ever of letting him see his family, or
talking to him of any real business.

" Grey went on Tuesday, and I think I shall go on
Sunday, but to come back for a day if there is any-
thing more before Easter. You will perceive that the
Doctor is much weaker in numbers than one could

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 25

have imagined, but it looks as if this was not so
much owing to our strength, as to speculations among
their friends concerning the K., and Pitt's ambigu-
ous situation. However, it has this good effect, that
it makes him (the Doctor) more and more contemned
every day ; indeed the contempt, both with respect to
the degree and universality of it, is beyond what was
ever known. Not one unpaid defender, unless you
reckon Dallas, who is impatient for the Solicitor-
Generalship. It is not merely old partiality that
makes me say that your brother has been by far his
best man. Sheridan will appear for him to-day in
the Admiralty business, in which Ld. St. V. has been
so ill-advised as to refuse papers and thus to force me
and others to vote what will be called against him.
If he had granted the papers, Pitt must have moved
a vote of censure, and the division would have been
in every respect, both with respect to names and
numbers and also to the nature of the question, far
more honourable and satisfactory to him. I am not
sure that Sheridan is not the cause of this for the
purpose of giving him the opportunity of making a
speech, he has a fancy for making. Ld. Holland's
arm was broken on the 6th of Februarv, and there
are letters from Ly. Holland as late as the 21st,
saying it has been set perfectly well, and that every-
thing goes on rightly. As to the Paris news, I know
nothing more than what you see in the papers. It
seems incredible that Moreau should have ventured on
such a bottom, but I am afraid he has. I have great
curiosity to bear more. Now I have despatched the

20 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 55.

general topics, let me tell you that I have read all you
have sent me of your book, but I am sony to say
that I am confirmed in my opinion respecting the
science.* Your refutations are almost always satis-
factory, but not so to my mind your own theories ;
and after all, on the particular point of paying off
debt, the most you do is making it a question merely
of degree, and what ground is there for fixing the
point beyond which it is mischievous? If Sir R.
Walpole was right, that in his time we could bear the
operation of a million, surely on the face of the thing
nix millions would not be too much now, but the
whole of your reasoning on this point appears to me
to be very uncertain. I should like to argue it with
you in talk, but in writing it is too much trouble ;
yefc I am not sure that I shall not try. The part
I agree most with you in, is the statement of the
means by which capital operates in the production and
increase of wealth. I never saw that point so intel-
ligibly stated before."

TO SAME.

"MarcJi 26th, 1804.

"Dear Lauderdale,

" When I said it was a question of degree,
I did not mean that I admitted all sinking funds to
be evils in a more tolerable, or a more intolerable
degree, but that there might be a degree of sinking
fund which is useful, a greater which is tolerable, and

* Political Economy. This letter and the next refer to Lord Lauder-
dale's work on Public Wealth. See Vol iii. p. 241.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 27

possibly a still -greater might be mischievous ; mind,
I only say possibly, because you give no proof that as
yet any degree of it has been injurious. You show
indeed, that it had great effect in lowering' interest,
but the lowering of interest being attended with
the increase of canals, inclosures, &c., is a strong
presumption the other way. It is impossible with-
out writing volumes, to carry on this controversy by
letter ; but I may just observe that your proposition
that parsimony cannot increase national wealth
appears to me wholly unproved. If parsimony can
accumulate capital, and capital is one of the sources
of wealth, surely that which increases the source may
(I do not say necessarily does) increase through that
medium the wealth derived from such source. You
admit that in some cases it has the effect, viz., if you
lessened your consumption for the purposes of
furnishing the country with spades, ploughs, &c,
where implements of this sort are not in sufficient
abundance. Why not, therefore, in increasing other
species of capital ? It may be true that there is a
point beyond which accumulation of capital may be
hurtful, though, by the way, I know of no instance
where it ever w r as so. If there is a superabundance
of capital it may be exported, you say, to France ;
but have you shown that this would be an evil ? and
have you not rather meanly mentioned this export to
France ad captandum ? One of my grand objections
to this most nonsensical of all sciences is that none
of its definitions are to me intelligible. Your notions
(I do not mean yours only, but vous autres,) of value

28 CORRESPONDENCE OF [<Etat. 55.

seem to me to be stark nonsense. -You use that as
a positive term which never can be other than a
relative term. We grammarians are much wiser;
we say *a thing is valuable, i. e. 9 capable of being
valued or compared to some other thing. But we
have no substantive to express value ; we say such a
tiling is worth a shilling, or a pot of porter, &c, &c.
I am very much in another place for preferring the
French economists, who deduct the subsistence of the
labourer from his produce, nor do I think any of you
have answered them upon that point. I still approve
highly your account of the manner in which capital
operates, but I accept your defiance of denying the
consequences you think follow. If capital should be
increased beyond the possibility of applying it to the
supplying the place of labour, what you say might
be true (but even then it might not, as I will some
day dispute with you,) but you must show that such
is the case of the particular country to which you
apply your reasoning. With respect to our own, it
is a common expression, you say, that such a field
has had all done for it that can be done ; but with
respect to how many fields and acres is this true, and
where it is not true, does there not appear prima facie
at least an unsatisfied demand for capital ? That an
increased produce of the land would increase national
wealth, you are not yet so far gone in paradox as to
deny ; that increase of capital reduces interest is not
denied either. He who borrows money to cultivate
land must take into his calculation the rate of interest
he is to pay, and consequently, the lower the interest

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 29

the better he can afford to borrow for his agricultural
enterprise ; which might answer at three per cent.,
and not at five per cent., and this reasoning is
equally applicable to commercial enterprise. In
short, I have nothing but doubts upon almost all
your propositions, except that which I have men-
tioned. I cannot leave this subject without noticing
your constant use of the word supplant where we
should say mpply the place of ox be a substitute for.
I remarked it the more because it occurred to me
how unfortunate it would be, if, in recommending a
Regency, you should have said that your intention
was to supplant the personal exercise of the royal
functions. This leads me to another part of your
letter ; I think of the King's health just as I did ;
and my reason for thinking it possible that some im-
patient symptoms will appear is this, that when he
was generally believed to be very ill, impatience did
appear ; that impatience has subsided, because there
is a pretty general opinion that he is nearly well, and
will, in a very short time, be quite so. When these
hopes shall be .disappointed, and we recur to the
same state that we were in a month ago, — i. e., that
there is little hope of an efficient K. being to be
soon produced, the same symptoms of impatience
may reappear. However, this is all very uncertain
speculation, and I shall not be surprised to find
myself quite mistaken. I think we were wrong not
to take up the question. My opinion for taking it
up remained unchanged ; but I found the idea that
Pitt would try, and succeed in making a violent

30 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 55.

cry against us, had so strong an effect on many of
our friends that we could not have done it with any
heart or unanimity. I think the only opinions that
were with me for action were those of Carlisle, Fitz-
william, and T. Grenville, to some of which I know
you think much weight ought not to be given ;
to these / believe (for he was not present) I might
add Lord Spencer ; on the other hand, of our new
friends, Lord Grenville and Windham, and most of
our old ones, particularly Whitbread, were very much
for inaction, and Grey, though still of my opinion in
regard to what was right, grew every hour to think
it more inexpedient. The P. wished something to
be done, and Moira would have supported us, but I
am convinced Sheridan would not ; indeed, in order
to avoid being brought to the point, he strongly
dissuaded our moving at that time, though I suspect
he has since represented this matter somewhat
differently at Carlton House.

" As to general politics, my opinion is that things
will remain as they are for some time, though
Addington's friends say he means to go out as soon
as the K. is well enough to appoint a successor. I
utterly disbelieve this; but I do suspect that the
Doctor has said as much, and the lamentable faces of
Ticrney, and some others, seem to give credit to the
report. After Easter I shall bring in some questions
myself, of which I will write at large to Grey in a
few days. My guess is that Pitt will support me in
some and not in others, but he does not know
always his own mind, and much less can his friends

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 81

answer for him. His temper makes him more and
more in Opposition, whatever his intentions may be.
I suspect he has treated Castlereagh roughly ; but
he (C.) will bear anything. The Doctor has ex-
ceeded, if possible, all his former lies in what he said
about the Russian business. It is, I own, an ignoble
chase, but I should have great pleasure in hunting
down this vile fellow."

TO D. O'BRIEN, ESQ.

" St. Ann's Hill, March Ylth, 1804.

" The Doctor outdid his usual outdoings in his lie
the other day on the subject of the Russian business.
On the 22nd of November, he told me upon his legs
distinctly, that the objection to the producing of the
negociation consisted in circumstances which he
expected to be of a temporary nature, and when
they were over he should be happy to give me and
the House the information which it was so natural that
we should desire. He now says that he did indeed
say that there were temporary circumstances which
precluded him from giving the information then, but
that he had added (then, on the 22nd November,) that
even when those circumstances should no longer
exist, it would not be the opinion, or at least it
would be very doubtful whether it would be the
opinion of the K.'s Ministers that the information
should be given. Every person whom I have asked,
is clear that he said no such thing, but nearly the
contrary, as I have stated above : " That he should

32 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 55.

be very happy when difficulties were removed/' &c.
Now, how to convict him ? I understand there are
coffee-houses where files are kept of all the principal
newspapers. These I wish to be examined, and to
have extracted out of them the account of the
Doctor's speech. I am not without hope that as
the speech was short, they may all agree in favour of
my statement of it ; at any rate I should like to see.
The most material papers of course, will be those
most devoted to Ministry, " Times," " Morning Post,"
&c, but the more testimonies can be had, the
better." *

TO R. ADAIR, ESQ.

"March, 1804.

"Dear Adair,

"I will be at the house to-morrow, and
will write by post to Windham, to apprise him of
my intention, but I write by the coach to you, in
order that there may be time to settle this future
business, if possible, before I leave the House ; but at
all events before I leave town on Friday morning,
which I shall do as early as I can k I am very
desirous of making some general motion, but my
difficulty is to frame one which will not in some view
be objectionable to Pitt. The state of the nation I

* " Tom asked me, and seemed to expect that I should learn from my
visitor, what the Doctor's mysterious declaration, in answer to Fox's
question, could possibly mean ? It meant, as usual with the Doctor's
mysteries, nothing at all, and the whole assertion was, as is no less usual
with the Doctor's assertions, a lie." — Lord Grenville to the Marquis of
Buckingham, January 6, 1804. "Courts and Cabinets," vol. iii. p. 343.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 33

should like best, directing my view to the defence of
the country, to the state of Ireland, to the state of
foreign politics, and to the personal exercise of the
royal functions, if the state of the K/s health should
make that an object. But I have heard it whispered
that Mr. Pitt's repeated opposition to the state of the
nation on former occasions might make that question
unpalatable to him. The defence of the country alone
would not do, the naval defence having been already
taken up, and the land defence so repeatedly touched
upon on the Volunteer Bill, &c. Ireland is an object
full large enough to be considered by itself, but of
that subject it is necessary to premise that the Catholic
question makes a principal part. Foreign politicks,
though, God knows, a most important question, are
not at present in that sort of state, as to afford the
ground of any direct motion of importance. The
chief blame with respect to them, except perhaps
some misconduct with regard to Hanover, with which I
am very imperfectly acquainted, is that the war was
unnecessarily made upon such a ground as to exclude
all hopes of assistance. To this I should add at such
a time too, — I mean so early that Austria, whatever
your cause might be, was not sufficiently prepared to
engage with you.

" These things being so, I do not see what general
motion I can bring on, except the state of the nation
or Ireland. I had once thought of an address to
request H. M. to take measures for increasing the
army, and a more general arming of the people ; but
the first of these objects is precluded by the two

VOL. IV. D

34 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 55.

pending propositions of Mr. Yorke and Mr. Pitt, and
the second alone will hardly do, as the fact may be
that there are no arms for the people. The result of
all this is that my present intention is to move soon
after the holidays a state of the nation, unless I hear
objections to that motion, and at the same time learn
that the same objections will not lie against some
other of the kind, Ireland for instance, or unless
some other be suggested to which I on my part have
no objection. The K/s health of course is a separate
question, which must depend upon circumstances, and
which according to those circumstances may or may
not be thought necessary to take place of every other.
Now as to the time, I think it must be soon after
Easter, suppose the 1 2th ; certainly I think not later
than Monday the 16th of April. The shortest public
notice is the best, but yet I think that public notice
must be given before the holidays — the very last day
will do. If you can find an opportunity of talking
this over with Lord Granville Leveson, or Can-
ning, pray do, and there is nothing in this letter
which I wish to be kept from them. We shall meet
of course in the House, and it would be desirable that
I should be able to give private notice to as many
friends as I can see to-morrow, either at the House of
Commons or at Brooks's.

" Yours,

" c. J. F.

" St. Ajtn'8 Hill, Wednesday:*

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 35

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

" March. 30JA, 1804.

" I hear that several friends in Scotland are very
violent against what they call my junction with the
Grenvilles, and that they say you have declared you
will never more take part in politics. I hope and
believe the account is exaggerated with regard to you.
You are unfortunately not now in a situation to be
called upon to take any very active part in politics,
therefore why determine ? and much more, why
declare for the future ? All I can say is, that if you
were to adhere to this supposed declaration, I must
cut and run too ; for reduced as we have been, you
and Grey are all that, for certain purposes, is left ; I
might perhaps add Whitbread. My only objection
to what has passed is that it was not junction enough.
Can there be less of connection between persons who
agree on particular questions, and in their hostility to
Ministry, than that which consists only in such concert
as is necessary to give their debates and divisions
what strength they can ?

" I hear the K. has been much worse again, but
my accounts are probably exaggerated. I dare say
you agree with me in thinking the Doctor will not go
out spontaneously, but perhaps you will not agree
with me when I say there is a chance of his being
forced out. What then? you'll say. Why then
there is an inroad upon the power of the real enemy,
I mean the Court, happen what may afterwards. Give

D 2

36" CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 55.

me for once a little credit ; I am sure we are going as
right as in the untoward circumstances of the time is
possible. The worst would have been (and I believe
you apprehended and perhaps still apprehend that it
may happen), if the Doctor and P. had been reconciled,
and the latter had come in by favour. I think that is
now hardly possible. We have not heard anything
here of Lord Melville's sentiments and language/'

TO SAME.

« April 2nd, 1804.

" I have read your fifth chapter, and like it by far
the best; perhaps it is partly owing to my being
refreshed by a passage of Xenophon amid all the
scientific gibberish ; but, seriously, I do like it far
the best of any in the book, and think you have a
complete triumph over A. Smith's division of labour :
but of all this when I have more leisure.

" I think exactly as you do about the plot and our
guilt, if (which I cannot doubt) we are concerned in
it.* I rather suspect you over refine on the conduct
of the Doctor last year. When we believed he was
inclined to peace we were imposed upon, not by
our informant, but he was deceived by the Doctor.
The truth seems to be, that the moment the Doctor
found that the K.'s madness took the turn of
wishing war against Bonaparte, he was determined
to humour that on which his sole existence de-
pended, viz., the K/s madness. Now all the papers

* The royalist plot of Georges and his accomplices. Our government
does not appear to have been concerned in it.

88 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 55.

will support or oppose me. Of the distinction
between seizing forcibly and assassinating, I think
(in this case at least) as contemptibly as you do. I
can conceive cases where there is a distinction,
possibly, but this is certainly not one of them. I
am very sorry indeed Moira said what he did to you,
but I am inclined to believe he said more than he
knew, not perhaps more than he thought he knew.
I am still in hopes (not very well grounded hopes,
I admit) that Moreau is not so much implicated as
is said; and I learn that this is a very general
opinion at Paris. He I believe once said, speaking of
his own safety, * Bonaparte est tj/ran, mats pas
assassin.' One would hardly think that he meant
to say he would show him the difference. Is it not
possible that he may have had that sort of share in
this plot, that Russell, Essex, &c, had in the Rye-
house-Plot, — that is, supposing the Ryehouse-Plot
ever to have had an existence? I have no time
to dispute with you on your book, but I cannot help
thinking that if a nation having a stock of wine,
instead of drinking it, changes it against ships to
carry on trade, or any other capital of that value,
such nation becomes more wealthy by such an act
of parsimony."

TO GENERAL FITZPATRICK.

" April Zi-d, 18Qi.

"Dear Dick,

"I write now, though I have not positively
fixed the days for my different motions, to tell you

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 39

that I consider the campaign as opening on the 16th,
and that we are sparing no pains to get all the
attendance we can. I believe the other parts of the
Opposition are doing the same, and it is very mate-
rial, not only that we should be strong as a mass, but
that our part should appear as considerable as
may be.

" The accounts of the King are, I am told, very
bad ; and I think in some shape that business must
come on, perhaps sooner than the 16th. I go to
town the 10th, to No. 9, Arlington Street.

"Yours affectionately,

"C. J. p.
"St. Anw's Hill, Monday."

TO THE EARL OP LAUDERDALE.

"April M, 1804.

" I H ad your letter yesterday. I should have thought
you had lived long enough in the world not to be
much surprised at a false report. One does not like
to mention one's authors, however innocent we may
think them of the original lie ; but I will say this
much, that what I heard was from Scotland, and not
in London. Your brother is so far from saying any-
thing about you that he is often asking me news
about you. I do not deny the truth of the objection
you state to this junction, but it applies to all junctions
of the kind, and would, if attended to, make all re-
sistance to the Crown more impossible even than
as it is. No strong confederacy since the Restoration,
perhaps not before, ever did exist without the acces-
sion of obnoxious persons : Shaftesbury, Buckingham,

40

CORRESPONDENCE OP [Mtat. 5&

&c, in Charles II/s time ; Danby and many others
at the time of the Revolution; after the Revolu-
tion many more, and even Sunderland himself. In
our times, first the Grenvilles with Lord Rockingham,
and afterwards Lord North with us. I know this last
instance is always quoted against us because we were
ultimately unsuccessful ; but after all that can be said,
it will be difficult to show when the power of the
Whigs ever made so strong a struggle against the
Crown, the Crown being thoroughly in earnest and
exerting all its resources. In tf^tyou say of the
hardship suffered in Scotland by bu^PP orters 1
agree entirely with you, and that neithei^l^** *?
come in with honour without obtaining redSBL
them. Whether such redress may be obtained
partial instead of a thorough overturn of the presel
arrangements is a question upon which you cai]
judge better than I. If we were to come in with
Pitt, a partial overturn is probably all that could be
obtained, and how far that would do would be for
our consideration before we engaged ; but if without
Pitt, there could be no difficulty in a thorough
overturn, for all the rest of our new allies are as
adverse to Dundas as we are, or more. By the way,
you have never told me what language he holds, or
what he is at. I do not think Lord Dalkeith h(is
ever voted with us. You think that the Court cannot
now be forced; remember, all I have said is that
there is a chance that it may ; Pitt's utter incapacity
to act like a man renders that chance much less than
it would otherwise be."

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 41

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"Arlington Stbmt, 17th April, 1804.

"Dear Grey,

" I write on the supposition that you are
not coming. When I think of the extreme incon-
venience to you of coming, I cannot be sorry that
you stay ; but I foresee events, which, if they should
happen, will make me more regret your absence than
ever. However, if things take the turn I augur, you
may perhaps bring Mrs. Grey early in the next
month, as I hear Mrs. Ponsonby is coming, and (you)
would wish to meet her in London. The event I
allude to is a speedy discomfiture of the Doctor ; our
division last night was 107 to 128,* and IF Pitt plays
fair, we shall run him very hard indeed on my motion,
and in one or two more probably give him his death
blow, unless he runs away first. Now if this happens,
it must of course follow that negotiations and propo-
sitions will take place, in which to act quite alone and
^without you will be distressing to me in the extreme.
ZLf Lauderdale were here it would be something. You
"^vill say there is Whitbread and Fitzpatrick, and that
s a great deal ; but there are cases where those who
e to take the most active parts in case of arrange-
ents are everything. I have not written my IF in
^rreat letters for nothing ; and yet I rather think it
^vill be right. As you are so far off I may let you
into the secret, that my motion may probably, at

♦ On the Irish Militia Augmentation BUI, 16th April, 1804.— See Par-
liamentary Debates.

42 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 55.

Pitt's earnest request (for reasons foolish and fanciful
beyond belief ), be put off till Monday, so that if you
did think of coming, you would not be too late. It
is impossible not to suspect Pitt from his ways of
proceeding, and yet his interest is so evident, that I
think he will do right. I defer the article " Sheridan "
till another letter, only he is absurd as ever, to say

no worse.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.

" The Grenvilles seem as steady and honourable as
possible. What I have seen of Lord G. particularly
confirms me in my opinion that he is a very direct

man."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"Arlington Street, April 18th, 1804.

"Dear Grey,

" P. sends me word that he hears the
Doctor is determined to go in to the King and tell
him he cannot go on, and to advise H. M. to send for
Mr. P. to hear his ideas. P. seems to believe this,
but agrees that it is no reason against our proceeding
in our parliamentary measures. He likewise says that
if it does happen, the first thing he shall say is, that
he must communicate H. M.'s intentions to Lord
Grenville and me, for the purpose of forming arrange-
ments or consultation with us. I tell you all this just
as his messenger Lord Gr. Leveson told it me an
hour ago. I disbelieve the intelligence P. has had,
for many reasons : 1st, the Doctor said the same as

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 43

to his resigning, just after the division on the
admiralty business, and so, I believe, did Tierney too :
2ndly, I doubt very much, whether he would, even in
case of resigning, say anything in favour of P/s being
sent for, against whom I really believe, he feels all
possible resentment : but 3rdly, and principally, I can-
not believe the King to be in a state in which he would
venture to make any proposition of the sort to him.
It is certain that though better he is not well : that
Doctor S. constantly attends him, and is present at
his interviews with the Queen and his children. I
therefore completely disbelieve the whole story ; and
the more so, because I can easily see reasons which
might induce Lord Castlereagh and others to mislead
P. on this subject. Lord Hawkesbury is said to be
going off from the Doctor, but though this is generally
reported, I know not on what foundation.

"I am afraid I shall be obliged to put off my
motion till Monday, and that some of our friends will
dislike the postponement, but it cannot be helped —
and Monday at any rate it shall come on. Every-
thing looks as if what I said in my yesterday's letter
was right, and the Doctor will soon be done for,
though for the reasons I have given, I disbelieve in
his immediate resignation. I understand there is
expectation of a great division against him to-morrow
in the House of Lords. I should write my if in rather
smaller letters to-day, but there is still an if upon the
subject of P.

" Yours ever most affectionately,

" c. J. FOX."

ii CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtkt. 55.

TO THE SAME.
"Arlington Stbejst, Thursday, April 19&, 1804.

"Dear Grey,

" I have to-day received yours of the 16th.
As to your coming while Mrs. Grey's health is such as
to give you any uneasiness, I am sure you will not
suspect me of such a wish, for I hope I have pretty
well adhered to a rule which I have always prescribed
to myself, of not asking a friend to do what in similar
circumstances I should myself refuse. I write to-day,
chiefly because I have seen Lord Grenville, who gives
me somewhat a different account from that given me
yesterday by Lord G. L. I understood the latter that
it was only intelligence, or at most an intimation that
P. had received. I understand from Lord G. to-day
that it was a message to which Pitt was to give an
answer ; and his answer was that if the K. sent for
him directly, or through a proper person, meaning to
exclude Addington, he would state his notions. With
regard to what those notions are, they were stated to
be pretty much the same as I heard yesterday from
Lord G. L. Only I understood pretty distinctly from
Lord G. to day, that if P. found H. M. impracticable
upon the idea of an extended administration, he (P.)
should feel himself bound to try one by himself.
These were not the words, but nearly the substance,
and exactly the same idea that we heard through the
Duchess, of his having expressed to some of his friends
before you left town. However, he (P.) agrees that
our parliamentary measures must go on with the same

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 45

vigour as if no such message had been brought him,
and this is all I care for. Let the event be what it
may, it is good to force the K. to change ; and as to
any arrangement in conjunction with Pitt, I see and
feel the difficulties (amounting nearly to an impos-
sibility) more and more every day. He is not a man
capable of acting fairly, and on a footing of equality
with his equals. Lord G. confirmed to me the extra-
ordinary fact of Pitt never having told him of his
offer to continue without Catholic Emancipation, in
the year 1801. This subject, by the way, was one on
which Lord G. wished to know my opinion, how far I
thought it possible to make a Government without the
Emancipation. I told him in perfect confidence what
you and I have often agreed upon ; that, if there was
a Ministry cordially united on giving the Catholics
substantial relief, and their full share (as far as the
law will allow) in the government of the country, I
thought some consideration, as far at least as delay
went, might be had of the King's prejudices, especially
in his present state. After all this I still disbelieve
the intention of the Doctor to resign immediately, and
though the K. is (I believe) a good deal better this
week, I have no notion of his being well enough for
the manoeuvre. I began this letter five hours ago, and
shall hardly be time enough for the post : but I have
told you I think all that is material.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. FOX."

46 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 55.

TO LORD GRENVILLE.*

« April 20th, 1804.

"My Dear Lord,

"I will endeavour to have five minutes
conversation with you to day at the House of Lords,
but in case I should not have the opportunity, I must
trouble you with a few thoughts on what passed
between us yesterday. What I said, I meant to say
in perfect confidence, and not to go further than us
two. But upon recollection, I fear you must have
understood that it might be repeated to Mr. Pitt.
What I should wish to have said to him is, that the
inclination of my mind is to think Catholic Emancipation
absolutely necessary ; but that I am willing to consider
of the possibility of temporising, whenever by a full
knowledge of all the circumstances with which such
temporising is proposed to be accompanied, I shall be
enabled to give that question a fair consideration.
The concomitant circumstances must indeed be very
favourable to induce me to think even delay ad-
missible in this business. You will observe that
there is nothing in this answer inconsistent with what
I said to you in confidence, but it is something
different, and the difference appears to me to be not
immaterial. Upon the subject itself, the frankness you
have shown, in the short intercourse we have had
together, encourages me to take the liberty of sug-
gesting some considerations which more immediately

* See Letter to Lord Grey, in which a copy of this was enclosed.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 47

concern your Lordship, Lord Spencer, and Mr. Wind-
ham. In an administration under a Regent, the delay
of a measure, the discussion of which that Regent
might think likely to retard the returning health of his
father, would carry with (it) its own excuse in the
judgment of all reasonable men. But if in the present
circumstances you should consent to yield the very
point on which you resigned three years ago, will it
not be a submission on your part to the K. liable to
the worst construction ? and when by such submission
you may have lost your public ground, how will it be
in your power to resist afterwards with success ? The
removal of Lord Redesdale may be stipulated, but,
after that removal, there will be many measures, nay,
a constant succession of measures, necessary to operate
as a substitute for the Emancipation. If you arc
thwarted in any of these, shall you not be almost
hopeless ? Will you go out again ? Will you not be
met then everywhere by the observation that so they
did before, and, after having taken their time, returned,
and so they will do again ? This reasoning does not
apply in the same manner to me, because, if I were to
go out, in such a case, my conduct, I not having been
concerned in the former resignation, would not be
liable to such observations. If I have made this
statement with some freedom, I am sure you can
attribute my doing it to nothing but to that regard
which I always must feel for the honour and interest
of those with whom I am likely to be connected,
whether in administration or in opposition. Now, on
the other side, if you were to stand out on the

48 CORRESPONDENCE OF [J&iai. 55.

Emancipation, in which of course I should join you,
and if Mr. Pitt, without any of us, should form an
administration, giving up the point, is it not evident
that you would stand upon the highest ground
possible ? that you would gain much in character with
all men of right and honourable feelings, and all this,
considering the state of the K.'s health and mind, by
a very small sacrifice ? If Pitt would think the same
it would be best of all, but of that I have no hope ;
and if I had, I have no degree of intercourse with
him which would justify my speaking to him as I do
to you."

to the honourable c. gret.

"Dear Grey,

"Upon thinking on what I had said to
Lord G. yesterday, I was afraid I had appeared too
yielding upon the point in question, and have written
him a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. Send it
back, as I have no other copy. You may take one if
you think it worth while. Nothing new except the
divisions in the House of Lords, 31 to 30 in one,
48 to 77 in the other. I have no time.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.
"Jprtf 20^,1804."

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 49

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

11 Arlington Street, Monday, April 23rd, 18D4.*

" Dear Grey,

" I have yours of the 20th, and I have little
more to say than I had last week. I hardly remem-
ber what the tenor was of those letters of mine which
you say will determine you. The Doctor is supposed
to be given over ; but my opinion is that the state of
the King's health is such (though they say he is to
have a Council to-day,) as to prevent the close quarters
coming so soon as Pitt expects. With respect to the
results, you and I do not much differ — but when they
do come, you must perceive how I shall feel the want
of you and Lauderdale — and come they certainly will,
and propositions will be made, how honestly is another
affair, and great circumspection will be necessary as
to the manner, either of rejecting or accepting them.
You will easily conceive I have not time to write much
this day. Our division will, I believe, be very good.
Pitt, I hear, talks of upwards of 200, but I shall be
very well satisfied with 170. I think, before the end

* On this day, the 23rd of April, Mr. Fox moved, " That it be referred
to a committee of the whole House, to revise the several bills for the
defence of the country, and to consider of such further measures as may
be necessary to make that defence more complete and permanent/' This
-was in fact a motion to declare want of confidence. The division, in which
Mr. Pitt's name appeared in the Minority was —

For Mr. Fox 204

Against 256

Majority for Ministers ... 62
- yol. nr. ■

50 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtat. 55.

of the week, we shall divide 70 in the House of
Lords. I think I can steer clear of your objections
to-day ; at least I will try.

" Yours affectionately,

« c. J. FOX."

TO THE SAME.
"Arlington Street, Tuesday, April 2ith, 1804.

"Dear Gret,

"If you are not set out, I hope you will
not long delay. We were last night 204 to 256, and
there will be a great division in the House of Lords
to-day, and a still greater on Friday. The King held
a Council yesterday, and looked and behaved very
well. It certainly will come to negotiation, and I think
it will go no further.

" Yours affectionately,

« c. J. FOX/'

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

"Arlington Street, April 2ith, 1804.

" I really cannot help saying that your coming just
now would be a most useful measure, and a very
obliging one to me. At the same time my opinion is
that nothing good will happen, further than the satis-
faction of forcing out the Doctor. But negotiations
there probably will be, and to take everything quite
upon oneself, or even on Grey and myself, is very
unpleasant."

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 51

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.
,,-n, ^ » April 27th, 180*.

" Dear Grey,

" I shall write to you very shortly, as well for
want of time, as in hopes of your being set out. I
agree with almost all your speculations, except two : —
1st, the possibility of Pitt's showing any mercy to
the Doctor, and 2ndly, in the danger of getting some-
thing worse than a King Log. I do not think the
Stork, (which, by the way, is Pitt's crest,) would be
worse for reasons which Ave may discuss when we
meet. Fitzpatrick, and he alone, thinks there is a
probability of the Doctor's standing — but I so far
agree with him, as to think there is a chance. The
King is certainly much better, or rather he was so
on Sunday or Monday, for I know nothing since.
His pages, valets-de-chambre, &c, were restored to
him on Sunday, and on Monday, at Council, he
behaved perfectly well. Fitzpatrick grounds his
opinion on H. M.'s getting well, and supporting the
Doctor roundly — and that certainly will give a chance ;
but I suspect his colleagues will not stand by him,
and rather prefer their chance with Pitt, to that of
victory with the Doctor. I have no time to go on ;
only I think I shall about the middle of next week
make a motion on the misconduct with respect to
Hanover. My opinion is, Grenville will not engage
without us — but this is opinion only.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. FOX.

" Division in House of Lords yesterday, 61 to 94.
" Division in House of Commons, 76 to 100."

E 2

62 CORRESPONDENCE OP [jEtat. 55.

TO THE SAME.

"AprUZMh, 1804.

"Dear Gret,

" I have just got yours of the 25th. I guess
you are on the road, but if not, I hope you will not
delay further. What will happen I know not — but
certainly either a battle in which you would wish to
fight, or a negotiation which cannot proceed without
you. Reports are various, but I know nothing.

" Yours,

" c. J. FOX.
« Saturday, April 28*A, 1804."

TO THE SAME.

« May 5th, ISOi.

" Dear Grey,

" Pitt has not seen the King, but perhaps he
may to-morrow. I shall put off my motion, because
I hear that it is not expected by some to come on,
and we should not be so well attended as on a later
day ; but I think it almost certain that it will come
on Tuesday or Wednesday, probably the latter day.
I hope I shall see you to-night, for I have more to
tell you. I have a letter from Lauderdale, who pro-
bably set out on Thursday or yesterday. I think it
will not be amiss for you to say at dinner, that the
probability is that there will be some more struggle ;
at least that such is my opinion, as it really is.

" Yours ever,

" C. J FOX
" Half-pwt 5, Saturday, May 6th, 1804."

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 53

MR. GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

" Charles Street, half-past 12, May 6th, 1801.

"Dear Charles,

" I do not find your letter to-night till it is
too late so to answer it as that you can hear from me
before to-morrow morning. I will lose no time in
communicating to my brother, to Lord Spencer, and
to Windham, the sentiments which you wish them to
know that you entertain respecting them, more espe-
cially because I consider that declaration from you in
this moment as a valuable and honourable testimony
of that fair and open and manly character which so
much distinguishes you. It is true that the persons
whom you name are unfettered by engagement ; it
is honourable in you to take this moment to declare
that you consider them to be so, and it is gratifying
to me to feel confident that (in the case of such an offer
as you describe) their conduct will show the sincerity
of the principles which they have avowed.

" I was with my brother when he sent to you this
evening the note which he received from Pitt ; I think
it looks unpromising for the general result ; but as
long as I can I will hope that the more exclusive
system will not be adopted by Pitt. I think, how-
ever, that in all events he will prolong the discussion,
and that in both Houses some authentic communica-
tion will be made to obtain delay. There are
opinions, and those very respectable, that the motion
in our House should at all events come on on Tues-

i.aUU.'KS .UM1-* VO\

or i:ap:i:.-il ; ^ v rest our ili'li'nitiiinliiiu <■■■.• h »■» •■•■•
j-trccg sense of thr impi'upriHy nf mil li"" im,, (' I' 1 "
tk-s to a system of gnviTiuurul. \>lml» i-« <•» •'• I"*"** fl
a: such u moment as tin* |n-r-:i-nfl «»»» ■• |' ,m ' T 1, i ' 1

i:\viusioii.

4; It is uwjwv-siry to <lw< II "i» »•■' "" "' '"' f> " l,M '*
iiavt ubwJy r-.-ulU-.rl from jiU m/ »'■' ;"' ■■' "N"* '^
Gov-jruiu-- : .;. - -. # r *j t ;jn'! Mi':,;,-. 1 /'' »■•■*■'-

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56 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 55.

administration at such a crisis, would probably have
exceeded the most sanguine expectations.

" We are certainly not ignorant of the difficulties
which might have obstructed the final accomplish-
ment of such an object, however earnestly pursued.
But when in the very first instance all trial of it is
precluded, and when this denial is made the condition
of all subsequent arrangements, we cannot but feel
that there are no motives of whatever description
which could justify our taking an active part in the
establishment of a system so adverse to our deliberate
and declared opinions.

" Believe me ever, my dear Pitt,

" Most affectionately yours,

" GRENVILLE." *

MR. FOX TO LORD HOLLAND.

" Cheltenham, Jidy 24(A, 1804.

" It is a long time, my dear young one, since I
wrote to you ; but till within these ten days we were,
as well from your own letters as from Mr. Lambert's
accounts, in constant expectation of you. We first
heard the 22nd of May, and then the 1st of June
was fixed for your leaving Madrid, and are of course
disappointed at the new delay, and the sorrier be-
cause the reason seems but too good. We have been
here about ten days.

* This letter of course put an end to the negotiation, and thenceforth
Lord Granville acted with Mr. Fox. Lord Malmesbury unfairly attributes
to ambition the upright conduct of Lord GrenviUe.

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 57

" The Bishop of Down and family are here. He
looks thin and yellow, but I think him in good
spirits, and therefore am sanguine that he will do.
As for politics, you will have learnt all from news-
papers that I could tell you in a letter, for with all
my disregard for secrecy, I cannot bring myself to
write about very private transactions in letters that
are sure to be opened. In summd, nothing could
have fallen out more to my mind than what has
happened : the party revived and strengthened,
Pitt lowered, and, what is of more consequence in
my view, the cause of Royalixm\ (in the bad sense of
the word) lowered too. There is a very general
dissatisfaction which, in the present state of things,
is the better for not being violent, for violence would
produce reaction, and perhaps revive the royalist
fanaticism. The conduct of our new friends has been
such as to satisfy those who were most prejudiced
against them, and, what could hardly be expected at
his time of life, Windham has improved in speaking
as much as any young man ever did in a session. You
will have heard, of course, of Lord A. H/s* pamphlet,
if you have not got it. It is excellent, unless I am
deceived by partiality to the exact orthodoxy of it as
a Whig creed. As to other politicks, I hear an inva-
sion is again expected from Boulogne, but I have no
belief in it. If they do attempt anything, it will be
Ireland, not England, and in ships, not boats ; how-
ever, nous verrons. What do you think of the fuss
that is made about acknowledging the new Emperor ?

* Lord Archibald Hamilton.

58 CORRESPONDENCE OF [£ia.t. 55.

Is there any folly like it in history? I do not
recollect any. May not people give their own magis-
trate the name they choose? The only ground of
refusing acknowledgment (that I have ever heard) is
having a contradictory claim yourself, as in the case
of Spain and the Netherlands, England and America,
&c, or favouring others who have, as in the case of
England and Philip V. of Spain, Louis XIV. and
King William, &c. But in this case all Europe has
done as much against the Bourbons in acknow-
ledging Bonaparte as First Consul of France, as they
could do in recognising him as Emperor. If we
refuse this last, it is the Republican, or at least the
Consular Government of which we make ourselves
the champions. Yet they say Russia will peremp-
torily refuse; and it is remarked that Austria has
not yet sent her congratulations. Cela fait pitiel
Some here are foolish enough to hope that all this
will produce an extension of the war — bad politicks
in every sense ; they are wrong, I believe, in fact,
and much more wrong in thinking such an extension
would be good for us just now. Prussia without
Austria would be worse than nothing; and the
latter in her present state could only be a burden
upon us, and possibly, nay probably, furnish means
of aggrandising both France and Prussia. A long
bore this on politicks ; but it is quite vexatious to see
and hear such folly. Austria, with all her weakness,
is the only effectual banner to look to in better times
against France, at least so these politicians say ; and
yet they would in the most disadvantageous moment,

1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 59

and not called upon by any actual aggression on the
part of France, risk her total annihilation. There
are two books of letters come out : ' Cowper/ third
volume, and ' Richardson's Correspondence/ The
life of the latter, and the whole preface by Mrs.
Barbauld, is excellent. Hayley's preface to the third
volume of Cowper, worse than usual. I have no
classical book here but the 'Odyssey/ which I
delight in more and more.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Anh's Hill, September 19th, 1804.

" I have long intended writing to you, though I
had nothing to say, nor have I now indeed; but
if I were to wait till I had, I do not know when
we should renew our correspondence. You may
think, perhaps, that I might have written on the
Prince's negotiation, if it may be so called ; but I
cannot make out the facts, and still less all the
motives to my own satisfaction. Lauderdale would,
of course, tell you all he knew, when he left London,
and I knew no more till my return from Cheltenham,
when the thing was quite over, and I not sorry (as
you may suppose) that I had no advice to answer for.
It originated with Tierney ; and Sheridan was, I
believe, kept out of it till quite towards the close.
My judgment is, that if a reconciliation could have

60 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 55.

taken place by the Queen it was right, if by Pitt it
was wrong; but Tierney saw no such distinction.
The refusal to see the King had gone before I knew
anything more than when I went to Cheltenham:
I should not have advised it. It seems to be all
over ; and the only thing that is of any consequence
is to know how far Moira acted fairly in it, or
indeed how far he was concerned at all. His advice
to the Prince to offer the young Princess to the
King was certainly very bad ; but I believe it was
only folly ; and the Prince has (upon good pretences
enough) done away the offer completely. Some
accounts from Weymouth say the King is very well,
others the reverse. My way of reconciling them is,
that he is better in health, but still insane. If con-
tinental politics should turn out to be as they appear,
what a new scene a real union between France and
Austria will exhibit ! and all owing to this foolishest
of all wars! I hope you and Mrs. Grey had a
pleasant tour in Scotland : pray say whether in
point of beauty it answered your expectations.

" The only news I hear is a talk of an expedition
to Boulogne, which appears to me to be madness.
Indeed I do not see any great use in the sort of
skirmishes that have taken place. If they would
fairly sail from Boulogne at a time when we are
ready to meet them at sea, it would surely be the
best event we could wish for. Have they attempted
to execute Pitt's bill with you yet ? Here they are
just beginning ; but it is not thought we shall get a
man. My poor friend, the Bishop of Down, is almost

1804.] CHARTERS JAKES FOX. 61

gone ; there are not the smallest hopes left. It is

a melancholy thing.

" Yours ever affectionately,

-a j, pox.*

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

"St. Arc's Him November ISA, 1804.

" You are I think over suspicious ; besides, if one
does feel suspicious in a matter of this sort, where is
the use of indulging or discussing them? The P.
is such as he is, and we cannot alter him. Moira
will not do any act so flagrantly dishonourable, as
going away from all his professions would be. Your
most unjust suspicion is that of McMahon, whose
earwigging%> as you call them, if they have any
influence at all, will be on the right side. He
appears to me to be a very honest man, grateful to
Moira, as he ought to be, but wishing the P. to go
quite straight."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"Southill, November l&th, 1804.

"Dear Grey,

" You may have heard that I went to town
from Woburn last Monday, to see the Prince after
his first interview with the King; and I intended
writing to you, as far as I understood it, the state of
things ; but partly idleness, and partly a hope that
in a few days I should be able to give you some

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ii. i" sir 1st. srazi t : -^ imnin&sar.z Ti.tm^ has. ^2

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rt«J CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 55.

order to reduce their power, &c, &c. The fear

of invasion is much diminished since Admiral

Cornwallis has been able to stay off Brest in these

gales of wind. The nonsense of the Volunteers is

therefore less detrimental to the country than it would

otherwise have been, but I think it is the worst

system, as it has been managed, that ever was adopted,

and Windham and I exposed it pretty well on Friday.

The truth is, that while you are adding bad troops to

the army, you are robbing the country of all its natural

defence; besides that, you are teaching your new

troops all the nonsense, and none of the useful parts

of military discipline. 1 have not yet determined

upon the Irish question, my own judgment is clear

for it. Pitt spoke very flatly on Friday ; his scheme

wems to be to convert the Volunteers gradually into

tt rcul regular army. I think, as somebody said about

universal suffrage, that the best thing about that plan

i« its utter impracticability. Lord King is gone to

town to-day to support Lord Grenville against the

Irwh Martial Law Bill. Grey, at Howick, is as

difllcult to fetch to town, as you from Spain. If you

WWQ both here, I cannot help thinking some good

Wioveg might be made this Session, though of a check

Mate I have no hopes in almost any case. Pitt is in

ft gtrange situation, and I suspect that he feels that

w ig so. His friends will be more dissatisfied with

Willi and his enemies fear him less every day.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. p.-

1804.] CHAKLES JAMES FOX. 67

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

" December 13J*, 1804.

" I am glad you are going to publish on the subject
you mention ; from not hearing much of it lately I had
supposed things were mending, but I dare say you
are right.

" I shall write to Grey to-day or to-morrow to press
him very much about coming up ; pray assist me, for
it is on every account most desirable that he should
take his part in this session. The first business in
point of time will probably be Pitt's foolish bill, &c,
and the rupture with Spain. I know Grey likes both
these subjects very much, and I think he is the
proper person to take up that of Spain ; but let him
choose. I am afraid he thinks either of them, in a
prudential view, a better question than the Catholic
business, which, though, as I conceive, far the first in
importance, will probably come on later in order of
time."

TO LORD HOLLAND.

"December 17th, 1804.

" My dear Young One,

" After various reports of your having left
Madrid with Frere, which from the dates of your
Valladolid letters I totally disbelieved, I now learn
from your letter to Caroline, that you were at Merida
the 25th, and expected to be at Lisbon the 30th

9 2

tS CORRESPONDENCE OF [.Em. 55.

of last month. By this time, I hope you are
sailed for England, but in case you should not be, I
cannot retrain from telling tou. how Terr anxious all
your friends, as well as mvseli. are, that vou should
delay your voyage as li:de as possible. Excepting,
and kanilv excer'i^z tie las;. I do no* think there
o\t was. or is likelv :o te. a session c* Parliament,
wliob. v;<u wculi l«r >;• scrrv ;c i^Iss as the next.
Tr* C^:iol:v c:u>:;;- will ~ :s: pt:<»Kt crane on in
si< K>: jvsssibjc —,.\Ie. by a p*s£i:c froci tie Catho-
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1804.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 69

session, and therefore it is that 1 must press you to
come if possible. You will observe all these reasons
are on public grounds, or with a view in some degree
to my own consequence, but the reasons to be drawn
from considerations respecting yourself, are full as
strong, and this, I assure you, is the opinion of all
your friends, as well as mine.

" Everybody here is mad about this Boy Actor,*
even Uncle Dick is full of astonishment and admira-
tion. We go to town to-morrow to see him, and
from what I have heard, I own I shall be disappointed
if he is not a prodigy.

" I received yours of the 4th ult., and despair of the
Simancas papers. God knows, if I had them, when I
should find time to make use of them. Those concern-
ing the Cortes must be very curious and interesting.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. P. w

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ann's Hill, December 17th, 1804.

"Dear Grey,

" It is a long time that I have been de-
ferring from day to day thanking you for your letter,
and letting you know how matters stood at Carlton
H. when I last saw the Prince, on the 28th of last
month. The sum of it is that the Chancellor sent
the Prince a message from the King, demanding the

* Master Betty.

72 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtax. M.

Windham) ready enough to take the lead in the other.
You will not be so sorry to hear, as I am to tell you,
that I begin to doubt whether the Catholic Petition is
so sure to be presented this year, as I once thought.
However, in a day or two we must hear the proceed-
ings of the Dublin meeting, which was to take place
on Friday last, and they, I suppose, will be decisive.
Everybody is mad about this young Roscius, and we
go to town to-morrow to see him. The accounts
of him sound incredible, but the opinion of him is
nearly unanimous, and Fitzpatrick, who went strongly
prepossessed against him, was perfectly astonished, and
full of admiration. You may depend upon it, Burke
was right, Idleness is the best of all earthly blessings,
but even to that first of pleasures some additional
relish may be given by occasional labour, provided,
however, that that labour be neither too severe nor too
long continued. I love idleness so much, and so
dearly, that I have hardly the heart to say a word
against it ; but something is due to one's station in
life, something to friendship, something to the country.
I have experience enough of the disagreeableness of
being pressed, to hate pressing others, and most
especially those I love ; but this once I feel myself
bound and obliged to do it, by a sense of right that
I cannot resist. Miss Fox has had a letter from
Holland, dated Merida, the 25th of last month ; and
they expected to be at Lisbon on the 30th. I hope
they are sailed by this time, but in case they are not
I write a pressing letter to him too.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. FOX."

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 73

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ann's Hill, January 7th y 1805.

" Dear Grey,

" I got your letter at Woolbeding, Saturday,
and being on the road yesterday had no time to write,
so you have had a day's respite from plague more
than I intended you should have. If I could alter
my opinion I would, but I cannot, and indeed the
more I consider the whole of the case, the more I feel
it to be very important in every view, that you should
be in town during the early part of the session. With
respect to the very first day, I think it highly desir-
able, but if very inconvenient, it is certainly not so
necessary as when questions come on. I have not
seen the pamphlet you mention on the Spanish busi-
ness. I had heard that Bentley, the author of the
administration pamphlet last year, had advertised one,
but I supposed the reconciliation might have prevented
the publication. It is certain all the Doctor's friends,
and he himself, condemned the conduct of Ministers
very openly, but that will not signify. I hope you
will bring it on yourself.

" Now, as you have addressed yourself to Mrs. Fox,
let me do so to Mrs. Grey, and beg her not to think
of your coming alone, or at least that she would fol-
low very soon after. You know when you are in
town without her, you are unfit for anything, with all
your thoughts at Howick, and as the time for which
your stay may be necessary must be uncertain, you
will both be in constant fidget and misery. Indeed

74 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 56.

you must come en/amille, and make up your mind to
some stay. If you knew how very unpleasant I feel
in pressing those I love against their inclination, you
would be convinced that nothing but a rooted opinion
that it is right in this case could induce me to do it. I
have much to tell you in regard to foreign affairs that
I cannot write by the post. I will only say, lest you
should be disappointed hereafter, that 1 have little, if
any, hopes of any good. On the other hand, if there
were an honest, independent administration, I should
have hopes. I believe you do not think the first of
the above epithets belongs to the present, and how
little the second does, every event speaks more clearly
every day; indeed the reconciliation, if any were
wanting, is damning proof. I am afraid the Doctor
is not to have office — which I agree with you in
thinking would have most effect on the public. I
go to town Thursday to stay. If it is any comfort to
you, you may be assured that I hate the going thither
as much as you can do, or more.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.

" P.S. I think the question on Pitt's bill and the
Spanish business must come on immediately, and per-
haps notices be given in the first week. In short your
best way by far is to come up for the day of meeting,
unless by putting it off for a day or two, Mrs. Grey
can come with you."

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX, 75

TO LORD HOLLAND.

« "Arlington Street, March 19th, 1805.

"My dear Young One,

" I have no excuse for having been so
long without writing, except the constant hurry of
business in this odious place. I have made great
sacrifices indeed in coming again into this scene of
politicks, but as I do make them, I am determined
to do the thing handsomely, and as far as the
existence of some respectable standard against the
dreadful power of the Crown is of advantage, I may
flatter myself that I have been of great use. I have
not time to discuss this question at large and in
detail ; suffice it to say, that even our enemies cannot
deny that we are a respectable Opposition, and few
now will dispute Pitt's being a contemptible Minister.
He certainly gained more in numbers by his junction
with the Doctor than I thought he would, but his loss
in reputation from that and other causes is in-
calculable. The next two questions of importance
will, if he has any feeling, hurt him beyond measure ;
1st, the tenth Report of the Naval Commissioners
against Lord Melville, 2nd, the Catholic question.

" Here have I been interrupted, and have but ju*t
time to write three words more. Lord Grenville and
I are to present the petitions next Monday,* and in
each House give notice that we shall move upon them
on or about the 8th of May. Now if you are coming
(as the good accounts we have of Lady Holland

* From the Roman Catholics.

tisi^^ is iiiue this spring; I think you woald start a
▼H^i :r -v miyic kroner, in order to be in the House
:c Leris :n this ^uescon. Tea have no notion how
invcus Lcri Grin^He is &r yoa on all questions. I
shall ~?e r,;»; '.are ii I ic m;c finish ; so mj love to Lady
EL'iIanc, imi L«:t£ buss von alL

■* Yours affectionately,

SCO, 1S05.

^ I hrre no time,, nor do I know when

I shall have* :o wriw yoa & comfortable letter,

but you will I izi sure tike to know about the

GtifcvViC business. Lord GrenviBe and I presented

the petitions yesseniay. I named the 9th of May

tor iuy motion. Lord G. fixed no day for his, but

I think it probable they will come on the same

dav v whieh I should prefer* > or at least within a few

davs of each other.

% * If postponing the motions for a very few days to

the 13th or 14th at latest would give us any additional

chance of your being present, it may be done, but if

that be the case, write without loss of time to say so.

T understand the time you think of embarking is the

* 3rd of April ; but it is possible, surely, you will think

l t ^orth while to set out a week or ten days sooner,

for such an object as the Catholic question. By the

bye, what fine time you will have on board ship to

think over your speech ! I think I foresee that the

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 77

lines taken in the two houses will be different (I mean
by the enemy). In our house the objections will be
chiefly to the time, in yours to the substance of the
measure.

" At present the only political subject that engages
attention is the 10 th Report of the Naval Com-
missioners against Lord Melville. On that question
we expect a great division.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX."

TO THE SAME.

" Arlington Street, April 9th, 1805.

"Dear Young One,

"As I hope you will have sailed before
this reaches Lisbon, I shall make it very short. I
believe I told you in my last, that Lord Grenville has
fixed the 10th for the Catholic Question, and I have
now fixed on the same day. We beat Ministers by
the speaker's casting vote last night, and Lord
Melville has resigned to prevent our removing him by
address to-morrow. Pitt will certainly not go out
yet, and I am not one of those who think it impossible
that he should last some time longer. Lord Henry *
made a famous speech last night, far surpassing all
his others.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. FOX."

Lord Henry Petty.

78 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.Etat. 56.

TO THE SAME.

"Arlington Stbket, April 26th, 1805.

"Dear Young One,

" Of all the days among the many uncertain
days we have had lately with regard to politics, I believe
I am choosing the most uncertain to write to you, and
consequently I have nothing worth telling you beyond
what you will see in the newspapers. If I had written
yesterday morning, I should have told you that Lord
Sidmouth had resigned, having parted with Pitt on
Saturday, declaring that all connection between them
was at an end for ever. Now I understand that for
ever lasted just 24 hours, and that yesterday there
was a meeting between the said Lord S. and Pitt, in
which all their differences were finally adjusted.*
What interpretation may be given to finally I know
not, but now for the worst of all uncertainties. The
cry of all or almost all our friends is so strong against
bringing on the Catholic question now, that I am
afraid it is uncertain whether or not we shall be
forced (most shamefully according to my feelings),
to put it off till next session. Lord Grenville will I
hope be in town to-day when it must be decided.

" What divisions we shall make this week on Lord
Melville's business is also very uncertain ; if good
ones, I think it most probable that the Doctor will
again fly off, and that it will be decisive on Pitt's
Administration ; if bad ones, things will continue for
some time (though I think not very long) as they are."

♦ See "Life of Lord Sidmouth/' vol. ii.

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 79

" Arlington Street, May 2nd, 1805.

"My dear Young One,

" I cannot tell you how happy your letter
from Falmouth has made me.

"I shall write you again a line to Hartford
Bridge, lest this should miss you, but I write this to
tell you that (thank God and Lord G.'s and my
stoutness), the Catholic business will most certainly
come on the 10th in both Houses.

" Yours affectionately,

* C. J. FOX.

"P.S. I have no chance of getting out of town."

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" St. Ann's Hill, June 23rd, 1805.

" I return you the paragraph in which 1 can safely
say there is not one word of truth, and the idea
attempted to be conveyed by it, is as false as the
words are different from mine. First of all, the words
alluded to were not spoken in a low tone of voice
(the writer's pretence I suppose for his misrepre-
sentation), but distinctly and audibly to a House the
most silent and attentive that I ever witnessed : but
this is of little consequence. I cannot recollect, nor
ever can, my exact words, but the sense of them was
as follows : * Who can expect that we should give
extraordinary confidence, or that foreign nations
should give any confidence at all, to such an

80 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtas. 56.

Administration as the present ? I am perhaps less
sanguine than others with respect to the good that
could be done by the best Administration, but I feel
myself sure that an Administration formed to
comprehend all that is respectable for rank, talents,
character and influence in the country, affords the only
chance of safety ; and I trust that nobody can suppose
that any individual (however he may disapprove, as I
certainly do, the unconstitutional principle of exclusion)
would suffer any personal object of ambition, if
ambition he had, to stand in the way of the formation
of such a Ministry/ There might be something more,
either in words or perhaps only in manner that made
it clearly understood (as I meant it should) that I
would not stand in the way, &c. Now what does all
this mean ? or what can it be tortured to mean
further than the words import ? except perhaps to lay
an implied responsibility on Pitt, as He suffers con-
siderations respecting his power or personal situation
to prevent the formation of such a Ministry as I hinted
at. I never meant to admit (nor do the words at all
convey such a meaning), that such a Ministry could
be made without my having a principal, or perhaps
the principal share in forming it, or that it could be
formed at all without Pitt's coming down from his
situation at the treasury, and in fact considering the
present Ministry as annihilated, in which case all such
persons as I alluded to might be consulted on the
formation of a new one. The strange misunder-
standing which has taken place on this occasion makes
me almost wish the words had never been spoken,

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 81

though I never was surer of anything than that they
were the most judicious I ever uttered, and calculated
to produce the best effects. Nay, I think even now
they will do good. Pitt will possibly do nothing in
consequence of them, and then the blame of there
being no fit Administration rests wholly with him.
If he applies to Opposition, he must either come down
from his situation, or the thing will go off in such a
manner as to show the public that the obstacle to a
comprehensive system is no longer referable to any
object of mine, or of any friends for me, but, on the
contrary, to considerations respecting his personal
power and situation.

"I confess I have been much mortified at the warmth
some of my friends have expressed at my supposed
offer of a coalition with Pitt in his present situation,
than which nothing was ever further from my mind.
I say I have been mortified, because it is hard after so
many years of trial they should not have confidence
enough in me to give me credit for not intending to
do wrong till they see me do it."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

" Arlinotoh Street, June ZOth, 1805.

" I am going as I hope not to return this session,
but if you think that it is very desirable that I should
attend Jeffery's motion, I will.* A letter by Monday's

* Mr. Jeffery's motion related to the Naval Administration of Earl
St Vincent On the 1st of July, it was postponed till the next session. —
Parliamentary Debates, 1805.

vol. iv. " Q

82 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

post, which I shall receive Tuesday morning, will
be time enough to fetch me ; but it will be very in-
convenient as well as unpleasant to me to come, and
in trusting to you, I hope I put myself into merciful
hands. God bless you all ! I shall consider the
letter of attorney I talked of as given. If the moment
were not so very critical to the country (I mean on
account of the pending transactions with the Continent,
where a false step may be irretrievable), how very satis-
factory to us would be the determination of these
fellows to go on ! I do not know anything we could
do to prevent the other evils of the war ; but we
might, I still think, either get a peace, — ay, and a
peace to which the continental powers might be
parties, — or at least show all the world that we have
done all in our power for that purpose. In any other
view I think it is full as well for the country, and
infinitely better for us, that Pitt should disgrace him-
self more and more — which he undoubtedly will do
unless the King's death should save him. I did not
intend all this prose. Pray remember both Mrs. P.
and me kindly to Mrs. Grey and the little beauties.

" Yours affectionately,

u c. J. FOX."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREV.

"St. Ann's Hill, July 2nd, 1805.

"Dear Grey,

" I must write a line to say how excessively
obliged to you I am, and the more so, as I now feel

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 83

myself safe for the session. As to the next, alors
comme alors, my favourite proverb. I repeat again
that I consider the letter of attorney given, with
such limitations only as I can guess ; but if you think
I cannot, you had better specify them. Putting all
circumstances together, I do not think the French can
do a great deal of mischief in the West Indies, but
that they should be able to have such a force at sea
is very bad. If the King bears his misfortune as you
hear he does, nothing will be done soon ; and his
illness will be a reason (with which many will be
satisfied) for the country's remaining without a
government. It would be good poetical justice on us
if we were actually to get our death by our extreme
love of monarchy and monarchs. Pray write a line
when you get home to say how you all are.

" Yours most affectionately,

" C. J. FOX."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

" St. Ann's Hill, My 6th, 1805.

"Dear Grey,

" You will have heard, before you receive
this, of the Doctor's resignation. I believe it certainly
did take place yesterday ; but maybe he may be in
again to-day. If, however, it is a serious and per-
manent breach, I think it certain, from what you and
I know, that Pitt will immediately apply to Lord
Grenville ; the probability I think is that upon Lord
G.'s answer he will stop short, but if he goes on, a

a 2

84 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 50.

negotiation may ensue, in which great difficulties and
responsibility will fall upon me. I should feel fright-
ened, particularly in the absence of you and Lauder-
dale and Fitzpatrick; but, if necessary, I would under-
take it with a hope that, whether it were successful
or abortive, I would give no reasonable man among
our friends cause to complain. But I should like to
know, in case I should be put into such a situation
sooner than I expect, what your limitations are to
your letter of attorney. I am sure you will feel that
if any good can be done, it is not a time to let any
particular predilections or dislikes have much weight
with any of us.

" I feel a sort of confidence that if anything be
attempted it will break off upon preliminary points, so
as to save us from the very unpleasant difficulties of
detailed negotiation ; but yet it is right to be secretly
prepared as well as one can. As to yourself you know
my wishes ; but if a great sacrifice were made (a
sacrifice which I feel quite sure will never be made)
on the other side, perhaps it would be expected that
the nominal head should be a person less marked
than you or I. It is said that the K. has agreed
to undergo an operation, but is resolved to have his
journeys to Birmingham and Weymouth first. I think
the delay at Martinique looks as if the French
had found some unexpected impediment, probably
sickness.

- Your, ever tfectiomtel,,

* C. J. FOX,"

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 85

TO R. ADAIR* ESQ.

"/ttfy,1805.

"Dear Adair,

" I have just received yours of yesterday.
I should not like the proposal you have heard hinted,
because there might be those who would think the
rejection of it unreasonable ; and yet the argument
on our side is short, clear, and intelligible, I should
hope, to every fair person. It was understood last
year that it was Pitt's intention, if he had been
permitted, not to offer us places in his Administration,
but to consult with us about the formation of
one. Now, without blaming him for accepting as he
did, surely we must be allowed to say a that there was
nothing in that act calculated to increase our con-
fidence in him, and that in our view of things he has
certainly gained no right to stand on higher ground
than he did before. Again, would he have proposed
Hawkesbury or even Castlereagh to us then? I
think hardly the latter, and certainly not the former ;
and, if not then, it can hardly be supposed that the
meanness of their subsequent conduct can make them
more palatable to us now. Besides such Sticks in
an arrangement which purposes to be a union of
ability and character would be ridiculous. Our first
principle ought to be exclusive (and in that sense only
will I use or admit the idea) of underlings of all sorts.
To this rule the retaining of Lord Chatham, if P.
wishes it, should be the only exception.

" The great distinction, however, between acceding

86 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

to a Ministry and co-operating in the forming of a new
one, is what is principally to be insisted on, and this
distinction (clear, intelligible, as I think, to every
man) is I know particularly felt and understood by
Pitt ; as when there was a probability of our situations
being reversed, I mean in the then expected event
of a Regency or a new reign, Lord Gr. Leveson
particularly stated how differently Pitt would feel in
the different cases, supposing the proposition to come
from us.

" Did you understand the K. to wish Lord Grenville
to be the mediator of the domestic coalition, or of the
foreign one ? As to peerages, to the two mentioned
must be added at least two more, Anson and Crewe,
but I do not suspect that would make much difficulty.
Nothing I suppose was said of Eldon or Chatham.
If they were to be kept, Pitt, certainly in point of
eminent friends the weakest of the three, would be
nearly as strong in numbers as the Grenvilles and I
put together.

" I have written all this chiefly for your own satis-
faction, for I would not have it stated as coming from
me to any one ; but if it can be useful to you in any
loose conversation or pour parler on these matters,
you are welcome to it."

MB. FOX TO LORD HOLLAND.

"July 6th, 1805.

" The Doctor has chosen a bad time for his resig-
nation, as Pitt can certainly go on without him while

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 87

Parliament is not sitting, and by these means gains
time for all sorts of negotiation. That all these negoti-
ations will fail / am sure ; but the Doctor could not
be so, and therefore his folly in this, as in every-
thing else, is beyond all ordinary conception. It looks
as if the French would not be able to do much mis-
chief in the West Indies/'

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

"July 7^1805.

" So the Doctor is out at last, and has as usual
taken the worst time possible for his manoeuvre.
Had he stuck to his first resignation in April, he
must have destroyed Pitt: even three weeks ago he
might have done it, but to wait for the close of the
session, and to go out at a season when his retiring
is rather an ease to his enemy than any additional
difficulty, it is too foolish. What time does it not
give Pitt for negotiation ? and though I know that
all such negotiations will be unsuccessful, probably
the Doctor did not. If the accounts of to-day are
true, and the places are to be filled up immediately,
it looks indeed as if Pitt knew as well as I that he
has no chance from negotiation ; but, even supposing
him to know it, I confess I am surprised that he
should not make a show of attempting it. And so all
our friends are for a coalition with the Doctor. I
do not know that I shall be an enemy to it in proper
time and circumstances, but remember your motto,
Softly John, or a word to the Warriors. I apply it to

88 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JStat. 5«.

the warriors against Pitt, who are for a helium inter-
necinum without any offer of reasonable conditions.
The state of the case appears to me to be this : Pitt,
though he may have still a bare majority/ is too weak
to carry on his Government as it is; at % least we
flatter ourselves so. What then must be his resource?
either to get strength from us, which I hold to be
impossible ; to unite again with the Doctor, which is
not likely ; or, if he can do neither, to get some cause
with the public upon which he may be able to stand
his ground against all parties. Now what cause can
he get ? no possible other than the old cry against
storming the Cabinet, imprisoning and dethroning
the K., aristocratical faction, interested coalitions,
&c. &c. &c. Now, what method so good for the
purpose of cutting him off from this his only resource,
as to show on our part every degree of moderation ?
to show that we would do everything possible to
soften the K.'s prejudices, and would by no means
adopt ourselves those principles of exclusion which we
condemn in others ? My speculation was that Pitt
would immediately seek some intercourse with the
Grenvilles, and that upon their answer he would give
out that the whole Opposition was equally unreason-
able, and would evidently be content with nothing
less than unconditional submission on the part of the
Court. In that view it would have been very ma-
terial that the answer should have been such as to
give the least possible colour to such an interpre-
tation. But it looks now as if Pitt did not mean to
give us the trouble of framing such an answer, but to

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 89

go on on his own strength, joined to that of the
King. I think this is best of all for us ; for, if I am
not mistaken, the public wish for a comprehensive
Administration is very strong, and the want of it
must now lie altogether at Pitt's door. With this
view, too, the Doctor's resignation may do great good,
as furnishing evidence of the impossibility of Pitt's
going on with any set of Ministers who are not his
own mere creatures and tools. If the Doctor will
fall in with these views, I am sure I have no objection
to coalescing with him ; on the contrary I should
like whatever would tend most to show that the
contest was between Pitt on one side, and all the men
of influence on the other. I mention influence, because
I think that is the only circumstance in which the
Doctor is considerable, and I am sadly afraid lest, by
mismanagement, he should lose what he has of that
kind in the House of Commons. Upon the whole, I
consider matters as in the best possible train, and yet
it does sometimes come across me (and I wish others
would not quite forget it) that the Ministry with
which this very Pitt set out in the year '84, was in
all respects as weak and contemptible as the present.
However, the circumstances are different, and in this
respect above all, that we may by moderate pro-
fessions and conduct prevent the possibility of such a
cry as was raised against us at that time.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

90 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 5«.

FROM MR. ADAIR TO MR. FOX.

" Sunday Morning, July 7th, 1805.

" I have received a letter of so much importance
in many respects, that I think it right to send you
down the substance of it, together with a copy of
my answer by the stage.

" The letter states to me (and I can depend on the
writer's veracity as far as that is concerned) the
substance of the King's conversation with Mr. Pitt at
Windsor, on Sunday. I think I had better give it
you in the writer's own words :

" ' It was not from Canning that I heard it, but
from a person to whom the King reported the con-
versation. It was a strong representation to the
King of the impossibility of going on without the
assistance of Opposition, that the experiments the
King wished for had both been made, and both
completely failed, and that something else must be
resorted to, for that he would go on no longer. The
King mentioned Mr. Fox's speech : Pitt replied, it
was a most noble one, and that the man who could
make it was the fittest to be applied to for advice.
On the King's asking whether some proposal might
not be made to the Opposition without Mr. Fox,
Pitt replied, " They ought not to listen to such pro-
posals, and in my opinion their acceptance would be
of very little use without him." He then argued the
point for some time. The person to whom the King
told all this, asked, what his Majesty had answered ?

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 91

The King said, he could not deny there was great
good sense in what Pitt said, and that the argument
stood on very different ground from what it did last
year; "Addington has acted like a fool and lost
himself, and the Catholic question is laid asleep for
some time/' He went on, saying, his chief objection
was that he thought Mr. Fox had a personal dislike
to him. The person answered, " Then your Majesty
has given a complete refusal to Mr. Pitt." The
King said, No, not that ; he had only taken time to
consider, and had told Pitt to patch up as well as he
could for the present ; but that Pitt was so obstinate
he would only offer terms which the Addingtons
could not accept, and they would probably go out ;
and then he added again, " What a fool Addington
has been ! "

" ' In consequence of this conversation Pitt sent
for Canning, whom he had not seen for some time.
Canning answered him by saying, "There is but
one hope of success. Send at once to Mr. Fox, and
speak to him yourself." This was good advice ; but
I was asked whether Mr. Fox would consent to such
an interview if it were asked for ? I ask you this as
your opinion only.'

" These are the very words of the letter. Whether
the intention be or be not to open any negotiation
with you, or, failing in that, to open one with any
others, I know not ; but as my opinion was asked on
one point, and as I can depend upon the fidelity of my
correspondent, I thought I was not advancing too far
in the following answer to the application :

92 CORRESPONDENCE OF [<£tat. *«.

«< Sunday Night, Julylih.

" ' I received your letter late last night. I thank
you for it, and only wish, for the sake of all the good
objects it points to, that I had known the circum-
stances you state some days earlier. You will be
sensible that it would be taking too great a respon-
sibility upon myself were I to answer your question
about Mr. Fox, in a case of so much importance as
that of his consenting to an interview with Mr* Pitt ;
and indeed I do not feel sufficiently authorised even
to consult with him upon the subject, without further
grounds to go upon than your letter contains. As to
my own opinion, I have no objection to giving it to
you freely ; assuring you at the same time upon my
most sacred word of honour that I speak without any
sort of authority from Mr. Fox, or any means what-
ever of knowing positively what would be his answer
should such a proposal be made to him.

" ' If it be true, as your informant states, that the
difficulties which obstructed the union of parties last
year in the highest quarter appear to be giving way,
I cannot conceal from you that the events which have
taken place since Mr. Pitt's acceptance of office, as
well as that acceptance itself under the circumstances
under which it took place, have greatly increased
those difficulties among a considerable portion of
our oldest friends. What Mr. Pitt is stated to have
replied to the King in speaking of proposals to the
Opposition without Mr. Fox, namely, " That neither

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 93

ought the Opposition to accept, nor would their
acceptance be of much use without him," is hand-
some, and in the true character of Mr. Pitt; but
what may be called the converse of the sentiment is
perhaps equally true, namely, that Mr. Fox could not
accept, nor could his acceptance be of much use,
without his friends. How far Mr. Fox himself might
be able to remove the difficulties which long and
recently inflamed resentments opposed to an union so
necessary for the country is more than I can pretend
to say ; but as far as my own observation extends, I
should say that nothing short of putting affairs again
into that situation in which they were previous to
Mr. Pitt's going into the King's closet last year, can
afford a hope of Mr. Fox's being able to negotiate
successfully even with his most confidential, as well
as with his oldest adherents. This is frankly my
opinion ; but again and again I must entreat you to
consider it only as my opinion formed, as well as
given to you, without communication with any one.
Whether an interview, such as you allude to, would
be of any use without some previous explanation
upon the point I have touched upon may be worth
considering ; I can only say I am ready to assist on
my part, i. e., producing that explanation in any
manner in which it may be thought desirable, &c. &c.'
" I hope you will not think I have done wrong in
sending the above before consulting you. It was
impossible for me to give a more distinct answer as
to the point of interview, even although I was only
asked my own opinion. If anything more comes of

94 CORRESPONDENCE OF |>Etat. 56.

it, we shall at least have the benefit of knowing dis-
tinctly the grounds on which the interview will be
proposed. Tell me what you wish me to do if I
hear again from my correspondent.

" Ever yours,

" R. ADAIR."

TO R ADAIR, ESQ.

"JvlySth, 1805.

"Dear Adair,

" I have just received by the stage yours
of yesterday morning. Nothing can be properer
than your answer, and I think it was full as well you
should have written it without previous consultation
with me. As I do not know who your correspondent
is, I do not know exactly what to make of his intelli-
gence : first, because intentional veracity alone is not
a sure proof of a correct narrative; next, because
much may be inferred from the sort of person from
whom he was likely to get his intelligence.

" My belief was that Pitt would attempt some
negotiation more or less extensive; but if the
accounts, so generally credited, of his intention to fill
up the vacant places immediately be true, I must
suppose he has abandoned all thoughts of it, if indeed
he ever entertained any. Write again when you
hear anything. I am told that though the K. seemed
to bear every thing very composedly at first, he has
since shown many symptoms of flurry and agitation.

" Yours ever."

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 95

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ann's Hill, July Oth, 1805.

" Dear Grey,

" Inclosed is some seed of the Anemone

Pulsatilla, which Mrs. Fox sends Mrs. Grey. It

should be put in light bog earth as soon as possible.

Lord Grenville came over to me yesterday, and we

agreed in all our speculations and opinions — but with

regard to the former, it looks as if we were mistaken,

as the general opinion is that the vacant places are to

be filled up immediately : * Yorke to be Secretary of

State, Camden President, Harrowby Chancellor of the

Duchy. I still have my doubts as to the first of these

appointments, though it may seem to tally with the

circumstance of Pitt's having given up Foster to Lord

Hardwicke.

" Yours ever,

"C. J. FOX."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ann's Hill, Friday, July 12th, 1805.

" Dear Grey,

" I got yesterday yours of the 7th, and am
very happy to hear you are all so well after your
journey. If I had written to you every day this week
my speculations of each day would have been different
from the former. I now think, as when I wrote to

* See letter of Lord Camden to Lord Grenville in "Courts and
Cabinets," &c. f vol. iii. p. 470.

96 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEvat. 56.

you last, that no proposition will be made to us, and
I am quite sure it is best that it should be so— for
those who are anxious for union, will be more angry
with Pitt for making no proposal, than for making an
unreasonable one. I refer to persons not connected
with us ; for among ourselves there would be, I think,
the greatest unanimity in rejecting an improper offer.
My reason for thinking none will be made, rests
entirely on the filling up of the places, and especially
on the appointment of Castlereagh, whom I have
reason to think Pitt would in no case consent to
remove. On the other hand, I learn from a quarter
which I credit, that Pitt has obtained H. M/s con-
sent to propose an extended Administration without
any exclusion, and that the idea was to propose the
admission of six of us into the Cabinet : Grenville,
Spencer, Windham, Moira, you and me. Now, I
should conceive that either this plan is abandoned, or
that such is the impudence of the man, that he con-
ceives it not incompatible with this plan to insist on his
own remaining where he is, and continuing Hawkesbury
and Castlereagh Secretaries of State. — N.B. It was part
of my intelligence that these two were to be retained.
I can hardly think him audacious enough to make
such an overture ; but if he does, I think it cannot
hurt us, for though any proposal ought to be, and
would be, rejected in which he was to be head, yet I
think the impudence of this will be more generally
felt. With respect to the Doctor and his friends, I
hear they are ready enough for war, and I have had
a sort of a message from them, hinting at a union on

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 97

the ground of Pitt's conduct in screening delinquents,
thwarting the inquiries of the Commissioners, and
disgracing the House of Commons. My answer was,
of course, civil and general.* I am told in London
they consider it as certain that Nelson will overtake
the enemy and beat him. A few days will show. The
combined fleet must have suffered severely from sick-
ness, perhaps among their sailors as well as their

soldiers.

" Yours affectionately,

-a j/fox."

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

" St. Axs'i Hill* /*/y 12*4, 1 505.

" I have been here near a fortnight, and Grey left
town Wednesday se'nnight, so that of us three Whit-
bread is the only one who will have an opportunity of
seeing your friend. The truth is, that I had deter-
mined not to be a manager,! and only lent my name
on the express condition that I was not expected ever
to attend.

" Concerning the state of politics here, accounts differ
so from day to day, that it is quite useless to write
about them. My speculations have varied more than
once or twice in the last week. I now think, from
the circumstance of the appointments, that Pitt will
not make any proposal to opposition, but, on the other
hand, I have good reason to think he mentioned to

* There seems to hare been tome mU-apprchei^'>L ab-yut tLLs *up; o*ed
message. See life of Lord Sidmoath.
t On Lord Melville's impeachment,
vol* iv. B

98 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 56.

the K. his intention of making what he (P.) thought a
very ample one, and that he obtained the King's
consent. What to make of this I cannot tell. I know
that nothing ought to be consented to unless he will
consider the present Ministry as annihilated in all its
parts, and consult about forming a new one. He will
not, I think, bring his mind to this, and yet his
weakness since the defection of the Doctor is extreme ;
however, that is his affair. The only thing that could
hurt us, would be an apparently fair offer on his part,
when, though we might be justified in refusing, we
might not be able to make the public see it in the
same light. On the other hand, I think I see every
disposition in the Addingtonians to join heartily
against him, and if they have as good a case as they
pretend, they will be pretty strong. The House of
Commons is evidently divided into four parties, nearly
upon a loose calculation, as follows ; —

Supporters of the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the

time being 180

Opposition 150

Titt 60

Addingtou 60

450

There are, besides, several members who vote whim-
sically, or, in such case as Melville's, from fear of their
constituents, &c. ; and many, of course, who never or
very seldom attend. The first class, were it not for
the very precarious state of the K., would, I fear, be
much larger ; and the second, for the same reason, and
from the slowly increasing, but still increasing weight

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 99

of Carlton House, will much more likely gain ground
than lose any. The third class seems very unlikely to
increase at present ; and the fourth will either gain or
lose, — first, according to the notions that will be enter-
tained of the Doctor's being more or less well regarded
at Windsor ; next, according to their success in setting
themselves up (which they will endeavour to do) as
opposers of corruption and guardians of the public
purse, &c. . . What is clearest of all is, that P. is very
low and does not seem to have any notion of what
plan he can follow to raise himself. Here is political
speculation enough of all conscience."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ann's Hill, July 16M, 1805.

" Dear Grey,

" Since I wrote last I have received yours
of the 10th, and, if occasion should happen (quod
procul a nobis, &c), will certainly attend to it. My
wishes and opinions, with regard to situation for you,
remain unaltered ; nor do I think that the precarious-
ness of your stay in the House of Commons is any
objection. My only fear was, and is, that if a negoti-
ation of the sort alluded to, was to take place, it might
be expected that something less efficient would be
thought the proper compromise. The filling up of
the places seems to me, and on the first view must
appear so to everybody, to be a declaration that there is
no longer any intention to negotiate ; but the Pittites
say it is not so meant, and I am told that we are to

H 2

100 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 56.

consider Pitt's journey to Weymouth, whenever it
shall take place, as a signal that the mischief is about
to commence. I doubt this very much ; but from all
appearance, if any proposition is made, it will be such
a one as may be instantly rejected, without any
danger of our being blamed for it. If contrary to my
expectations, and to the nature of the man, anything
plausible should be proposed, I shall indeed be in
difficulties, though by adhering to the sine qua non, I
should hope we should still be safe. It is worthy
consideration, too, what security we could take, that
he will not continue to use the influence in his hands
to screen Melville, and to thwart further inquiries. It
would be very unseemly if it could be said with any
colour that we could acquiesce in measures on this
point in which the Doctor could not. I hear the
Addingtonians put the resignations entirely on the
ground of this business ; but whether they can make
out their case clearly, I doubt. It seems to be ad-
mitted that Pitt's interview with the Doctor was the
immediate cause that produced the resignations.
Well, then, if that interview, which is also admitted
to have been of Pitt's seeking, had not taken place,
would not the Doctor have been still a member of
Ministry, notwithstanding Leicester's motion, &c?
However, it is right, I think, to uphold the Doctor in
his resignation, as far as we can, and, I think, Cobbett
has taken the right line on this subject exactly. To
be sure it is impudence hardly to be endured, con-
sidering the different shares that he and we have had
in the business, that the Doctor should hold himself

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 101

out as the sole Centre, &c. There is no truth in Lord
Grenville's having seen the K. T. Grenville was
here Sunday, and he is one of those who still think
there will be negotiation. I have a letter from Lord
Moira, who concurs entirely in the opinion that this
Ministry must be given up, and considered as anni-
hilated before anything can be done towards union ;
nor indeed have I seen any one who does not think
the same. We have had strange weather here, cold
and dark ; but everything looks well.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. fox.-

TO MR O'BRIEN.

"July 17th, 1805.

"The Doctor, Lord help him, is a great fool,
and one whom experience cannot make wise. His
whole consequence depends (for personally he is
nothing) on the number of votes in the House of
Commons, who seem at present inclined to go with
him, and nine out of ten of these he will lose by
talking the senseless language you hear of. He will
then be reduced to absolute insignificance ; whereas,
if he was to manage well, and state publicly his
hostility to Ministers, bringing forward, as he might
do, good ostensible reasons, he might be a man of
much more consequence than it is fit such a man
should be. I think Cobbett takes quite the right
line about the resignations, &c. ; but no man can do
anything for one who will not do anything for him-

102 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 56.

self ; nay, who on the contrary who will do everything
against himself and for his enemies. I see no news-
papers that speak of politics ; but I think the tone
of the paragraphs ought to be to treat with con-
tempt the notion of Pitt's being able to carry on
the Government as he is, or to gain any accession
of strength ; and Castlereagh's appointment ought
to be stated as complete proof of his weakness and
impotence in either view."

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" St. Ann'i Hill, AuguM 7th, 1805.

" Without coalitions nothing can be done against
the Crown ; with them, God knows how little ! As
to the abuse which has been made of my civil
expressions, as they are called, to Pitt, I always fore-
saw that they would be so used; but I am still
positive that I was right, and do not repent one of
them."

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" St. Ann's Hill, August 25M, 1805.

" The combined fleets being out is, as you know,
now certain ; but for what particular object it is
vain to guess. They generally have mismanaged
at sea ; so it is to be hoped they will continue
to do. The Austrian Mediation, which is now
so much talked of, may do a great deal, if well
managed, but that it is not like to be. I like

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 103

to-day's * Cobbett ' very much, both on Invasion
and on Foreign Affairs. The failure of another
Continental coalition would be fatal, and this cannot
be too much beat into the heads of all rational
Anti-GaUicans."

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

"St. Ann's Hill, Augmt 21th t 1805.

" I am inclined still to adhere to my opinion that
he (Pitt) will make no overture ; but in this opinion
I find myself nearly single. However, none has
been as yet made ; and I am told that you are to
look to Pitt's going to Weymouth as the signal that
something is about to be done. He has not yet
been there. In the meantime there is a belief that
war on the Continent will break out immediately,
though it is certain Austria has sent a paper to
Petersburg, Berlin, London, and Paris, stating her
wish that negotiations may be resumed, and offering
good offices.

" I have not seen the paper, but it is said to be
couched in very general terms; and many think
Napoleon will consider it merely as an artifice to
gain time, and begin the attack. I think the more
immediate cause of war, if war is to be, will be
the passage of Russian troops into Austrian ter-
ritories, and then it will once more be contrived
so as to put Bonaparte in the right. For he will
have good reason to say, that admitting Russian
troops at the moment she pretends to lament Russia's

104 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

having broken off the negotiation, is such a proof
both of the ill-will and the insincerity of Austria, as
to justify his choosing his time for going to war."

TO THE HONOURABLE C GREY.

" St. Ann's Hill, August 28th, 1805.

"Dear Grey,

" I received with great pleasure yours of
the 23rd. We wish you heartily joy, and hope Mrs.
Grey and the boy will continue as well as you have
reason to expect.* It is a long while since I wrote,
and I will not be so long again, but idleness, and
having nothing new to tell you, were the reasons.
The latter of these reasons still continues. There was
a strong report (an absurd one on the face of it) that
some proposition was to be sent to us at Stowe ;f
this of course did not happen, and they who think
some offer will be made, adhere to what was said
some time ago, that Pitt's visit to Weymouth (where
he has not yet been) would be the signal for the
commencement of what I call the mischief. I have
still a notion that no offer will be made, but I must
confess I am nearly singular in that opinion. It is, I
nm sure, best for us that none should, unless it could
be one through the channel you hint at, in which
case, to reject it with indignation must be the course
which every man would approve. You see I un-
derstand your letter, but should not do so unless I

* Hon. Frederick Grey born August, 1805.
t Mr. Fox mot the Prince of Wales at Stowe.

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 105

had had one from Lauderdale explanatory of it. I
own I think it is absolutely impossible such a channel
should be attempted, and that whoever informed M.*
that it was intended must have been mistaken, or
meant to laugh at him. There could not be a measure
so calculated for making the refusal appear right in
the eyes of all mankind ; whereas I presume the
intention is to endeavour to put us in the wrong, in
the opinions of as many people as possible : and in
this way, if Pitt were to manage dexterously, I should
fear he might have some success. I have strong
dependence however on his temper and character;
and suspect he will be more anxious to keep himself
clear of the imputation of what I should call modesty,
and he humiliation, than to fix upon us that of un-
reasonableness. I hear that to those who casually see
him, Ids appearance is just as it was in the House of
Commons — that of extreme uneasiness, and almost
misery. Most of his friends speak of the extreme
desireableness of a junction, and some even of the
absolute necessity of it: but then the friends I
speak of are such mere cyphers, that what they say is
of little moment, though they are in high offices.
Mulgrave, to my surprise, goes as far as any of them.
Harrowby is supposed to hold the stouter language,
and to say that Pitt must not let it be thought for a
moment that he is in any absolute want of us ; and
with this view it is supposed that he advised the
immediate filling up of the places. Apropos of fillers
up ; I hope you are delighted at Castlereagh's defeat.

* Lord Moira.

108 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. M.

way by all persons connected with Government. They
should be careful, if such be their intention, to make
a good case. Here are politics enough for a week ;
and yet upon reading over my letter, I do not think
you will be much the wiser for anything it contains.
By your not mentioning Lord Grey, I hope he is quite
well again.

"Yours affectionately,

"C. J. POX."

TO LORD HOLLAND.

" St. Ann's Hill, September 4th, 1805.

" What I said about the Austrian proposition was
not exactly represented, though partly so. I certainly
have strong reason to think that our Court will state
itself to be ready to comply with the wish expressed
in the Austrian Circular Paper for the resumption of
negotiations ; at the same time I believe it to be the
expectation of all parties, and perhaps the wish of
most, that the war will commence almost immediately.
The Austrians either do not expect, or pretend not to
expect, that the attack will be made by Bonaparte
upon the ground of their intimate connection with
Russia, and of their supposed acquiescence in the
Russian troops passing through the Austrian territory.
You are to observe that I do not understand the
Austrian paper to contain a distinct proposition of
mediation, but on the contrary that the offer of good
offices is very vaguely worded, and that when I spoke
of these offers being well received I spoke of our

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 109

Court only. I am totally ignorant what answers will
be given by Russia, Prussia, or France. Perhaps the
whole is merely a device, and, as I should think, a
very shallow device to gain time.

" Yours affectionately,

"C. J. FOX."

TO LORD HOLLAND.

"September, 1805.

"A thousand thanks, my dear young one, for
your dear little boy. I have not yet time to read your
Vienna letter, but what you mention regarding the
intention of forcing Prussia is not new to me. It is
intolerable, and will, if executed, make us odious to all
mankind. In this view too it is very foolish ; but, on
the other hand, to leave Prussia in a state to join the
French on the first favourable occasion for crushing
Austria is liable to objections too. These are among
the fundamental and incurable difficulties.

" Yours,

"C. J. FOX."

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Akn's Hill, September llih, 1805.

"Dear Grey,

" I write one line to tell you that I hear,
from pretty good authority, that Pitt goes down to
Weymouth this week ; and consequently now or never
will come on this cursed negotiation. I still hope
there will be nothing, but I find my opinion is not

110 CORRESPONDENCE OP [^tat. 56.

the general one ; and there are circumstances which
make me afraid. At any rate I have strong con-
fidence in the insolence of his character, making him
offer such a basis, as everybody will see the propriety
of immediately rejecting. I hope Mrs. Grey and the
young fry are all as well as we wish them.

" Yours ever affectionately,

" C. J. FOX.

" P.S. Fitzwilliam's attack was certainly para-
lytic ; but Dr. Pitcairn says it was the slightest
possible of the kind, nor has he been, as I understand,
in any danger." *

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

st September 17th, 1805.

" I hear from all quarters so much of an intended
proposition, that I am forced to abandon my opinion,
which was, that none would be made. As I feel
myself quite sure that no good can come of it, the
object with me is to consider of the best way of
parrying it. To refuse absolutely having anything
to do with Pitt, would, after all that has passed, be
hardly justifiable, or at least it would require so much
explanation to the public as to make it a very un-
advisable party measure. But to refuse having to do
with any negotiation in which the whole formation of
a new Ministry is not perfectly open, would, I think,
be so reasonable that every unprejudiced man must

* Lord Fi&williftm lived till 1888.

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. Ill

see the propriety of it. Here, therefore, we may
safely make our stand ; but if Pitt (which, however,
I think very unlikely) should give way on this point,
why then we must manage the negotiation as well as
we can, and my difficulties will be very great. It
would be unreasonable indeed to ask you to come up
on such an occasion, and therefore it is, I suppose,
out of the question ; but yet I feel that no occasion
can occur in which I should so much want advice,
and that there is no advice I should think so useful
as yours. I think that, even if P. should like to
have the appearance of giving way, there would be
preliminaries very difficult, if not impossible, to be
adjusted. Naval commanders, Melville, Redesdale,
&c. &c. If P. went to Weymouth yesterday, as I
learn that he intended to do, we shall soon know
whether any offer is to be made, and, if any, what it
is to be. I understand there are still great difficulties
in regard to Austria, but the general opinion is that
Bonaparte will cut that knot by making an almost
immediate attack, and I think it very likely. Disso-
lution is more talked of than ever, but I believe in it
less and less."

112 CORRESPONDENCE OF [,Etat. 5G.

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

"St. Ank'b Hill, September 2Qih t 1805.

"Dear Gret,

" I was very happy to get your letter on
my return home on Friday, as I had heard both
Mrs. Grey and one of the girls had been ill, but
nothing certain about it. I hope to God, they are
both by this time quite recovered, and that I shall
soon hear from you that they are so. Pitt has been
now some days returned from Weymouth, and no
news of overture. I am quite sanguine again that
none will come ; but I own that about a fortnight
ago I was almost beat out of my opinion by the
concurrent opinion of all whom I saw or heard of.
In case any overture had been made, all you say
about communication of plans, &c, had been thought
of; but I always believed that everything would be
off upon preliminaries, and consequently before such
communications could be asked. Bonaparte does, I
think, appear very uneasy about the war; but this
gives me little hopes. ' O Navis, referent in mare
te novi fluctus ! ' is a sentence that cannot be pro-
nounced by any thinking man without anxiety.
Our papers are, of course, all sanguine, and state
the accession of Bavaria to the League, as they call
it ; but it is possible that this accession is only, in
fact, submission to the first army that appears in their
country ; but we shall soon see. The disavowal on
the part of Austria and Russia of any interference in

'.»«i"-"

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 113

the internal concerns of France is, I think, very
judicious. They say, too, that our sentiments are
similar; but surely this ought to be distinctly ex-
pressed, and not left to others to say for us, as if
we were ashamed of it. Everything, except part-
ridges, here is as abundant as you describe it to be
with you.

"Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX."

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

"September SQth, 1805.

" I am very much obliged to you indeed for what
you say in your second about coming. I never
meant to express even a w r ish about it, unless the
negotiation was fairly entame, and I agree with you
that even in that case there is something unpleasant
and ridiculous in coming up for a business which is
sure to end in nothing. The considerations in your
last letter are by no means new to me ; so far am
I from thinking them immaterial, that the re-esta-
blishing of old interests, and especially where the
persons to whom they belong have been steady to us,
is, without exception, my first and principal object
in wishing for any degree, more or less, of personal
power, and therefore in any arrangement, whether
by means of coalition or otherwise, it is what I shall
most anxiously look to. Eighteen months ago, when
there was a possibility of a junction with Pitt, I
thought this would not be (as far as relates to
England) a very difficult point.

VOL. IT. I

114 CORRESPONDENCE OF [J£tat. 56.

The line seemed to me pretty clear, i. e., that
there should be an equitable division between our
friends and those few who had stuck by Pitt, against
Government. At that time he could have no incli-
nation, as I should think, but certainly no duty
incumbent on him to protect those who had just been
fighting under the King's and the Doctor's banners
against him and us united. The difficulty in Scot-
land was greater, because Dundas had done so much
for Pitt against Government, that it would have been
impossible not to allow him very great weight indeed
in Scotland. At the same time we must have insisted
as a sine qua non on the support of such of our
friends as had uniformly stuck by us, which would
not have been a very great number. As to those
who had sold themselves and their interest, one
should have had less delicacy. This was my general
view of the matter last year. I have thought the
less about it this year, because I have all along held
a junction with Pitt to be not improbable but im-
possible ; but still as many things that I deemed
impossibilities have happened, I have not been quite
inattentive to the change of circumstances both in
England and Scotland since last year. Pitt would
now certainly have the desire, and he would pretend,
perhaps, too, that he was bound in honour to protect
many who were the most adverse to him when he
was out, and who are, properly speaking, the dmes
damnees of the Court of Corruption. This must be
guarded against ; but I think no letter or explanation
would afford so good a guard in this case as the

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 115

having the office of First Lord of the Treasury in
proper hands, and this must, therefore, be insisted
on. Grey would be best, Fitzwilliarn next, and
Moira the least good of any that I could propose.
In case the latter were the person, which, because he
is the least eligible, would be the most likely, I
should in that case think it necessary to have a com-
plete explanation with ////;/, and I have little doubt
but he would act fairly ; indeed it would be so much
his interest to do so, that he could not do otherwise.
So far for England : with respect to Scotland, I
should hope that what has passed must have so far
lessened the Melville, that the difficulties of last year
must be nearly smoothed, and at all events now,
Melville, as a Minister at least, is out of the question,
and the management of the Scotch patronage would
be put in a groat measure into your hands and those
of the Hamiltons. If this was not consented to in
words, it would in fact take place ; indeed the mere
circumstance of your being in office, and Melville out,
would go a great way to insure things taking a right
course.

" Now, after all this speculation, my opinion again
is that no offer of any kind will be made. Even
those who were most sure that it would, begin now
to think with me, and especially since Pitt has been
so long returned from Weymouth without doing
anything. I shall be very glad if I am right, though
I do not think there would be any great difficulty
in bringing forward one or two preliminaries, which
would put a stop to the negotiation in a manner far

I 2

116 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 56.

from disreputable to us ; I do not recollect when I
last wrote to you ; but I believe it is since I was in
town (Saturday fortnight) for a few hours. The
universal opinion there did, I own, shake mine
considerably, and particularly as it was certain that
Pitt's friends gave out as a matter of certainty that
something would be done.

" I know nothing more of the breaking out of the
war than I learn from the newspapers. Bonaparte
seems disturbed, but I cannot help thinking the
Austrians will have the worst of it."

TO LORD HOLLAND.

" September, 1805.

"Dear Young One,

" I send you back your dear little boy, who
has made us both more and more fond of him. He
seems very well, thank God. I forgot to send the
Vienna letter by yesterday's post, so send it now.
The contents of it exactly correspond with what were
my notions at the time it was written. Bad as the
war is, the general reluctance with which it is entered
into will make it worse if it takes place : but let us
hope that some further attempts at peace will be
made, and if they are made with any tolerable
management, I am very sanguine about their
success. I feel quite sure that Bonaparte would
like peace if we would give way in anything.

" We should have gone with Hen. E.* to-day if we

* The present Lord Holland.

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 117

had not so arranged our visits that we must be at
Goodwood on Monday. We hope now Hen. E.
has been here once, that Lady Holland and you will
let him visit us now and then, as change of air must
be good for him, and it is the greatest gratification
to us. Notwithstanding the universal opinion, my
fancy is that Pitt will not make any proposition (at
least none in which he is serious) unless he means
foreign pacific negotiation. In that case I really
believe he would wish a junction ; but whether he
could bring his mind to the sacrifices necessary for
it, is another question."

TO R. ADAIR, ESQ.

" October 6th, 1805.

"Dear Adair,

" I have just received yours of the 4th.
Depend upon business enough next session if you are
inclined that way. My opinion for refusing the
subsidy is clear ; whether Bonaparte actually gets it
in money or in money's worth, that is, increase of
greatness and dominion, it comes to the same thing.
But, mind, I only mention this as my opinion ;
to-morrow I go over to Dropmore, and shall learn
more of that of others. Concerning the conduct of
the war there can be no difference ; but the truth is,
that any war at this time, unless well concerted and
directed rather to future successes than to the
present, and more in the nature of a sap than a coup
de main, is nonsense, and for such a war neither we
nor our allies are by any means prepared."

118 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 56.

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

"October 10th, 1805.

" . . . . It is very curious to see what part
Prussia will take, though I think the only hesitation
can be between neutrality and open alliance with
France. Her situation seems to me to have its
difficulties. What seems to me clear, is, that she or
Austria will be the great victim of this war, according
as success attends France or the Allies. If the
Cabinet of Berlin see this as I do, they will of course
give the most efficacious assistance they can to France ;
but, on the other hand, there is something plausible in
neutrality. Some say that Russia and Austria will
not consent to Prussian neutrality, and, if they cannot
have Prussia with them, will force her to be against
them. This would be a stronger act of national
tyranny than any that is imputed to France. I
suppose we shall have to pay enormously. I know
our Allies have said that 5,000,000/. will by no
means do. Let me have your speculations. 1 think
the most probable event is the success of the French,
and a second treaty of Campo Formio in a few months,
but it is possible it may be otherwise, and that the
Allies may begin with successes ; if so, the war and
the ruinous expense attending it may go on for many
years. There is a third case, viz., that the advan-
tages of this campaign may be balanced. In this
case, I believe both the French and the Austrians
would be inclined to negotiation ; but should we and
the Russians allow them to follow their inclinations:

3"

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 119

TO LORD HOLLAND.

"St. Ann's Hill, October 25th t 1805.

"Dear Young One,

" I am very happy indeed to hear Charles
is so well again. Little Hen. E. is perfectly well,
and a delight to us all. He says ' Pity the sorrows '
very well ; but I cannot get him to learn anything
new to say to you. I wait with some curiosity to
know about Prussia. One should think it impossible
he should put himself in the power of Austria and
Russia, but as it is evident the Austrian Cabinet is
mad, whv not the Prussian too ? What if Prussia
were to seize this moment, when she is least suspected
of partiality to France, to propose an effectual media-
tion ? Non lo far a, but if she would, it would be a

good thing.

" Yours affectionately,

« c. J. FOX."

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" St. Ann's Hill, October 31**, 1805.

" I have received your letter, and would gladly do
what you desire if I could, but I have no remembrance
of the words, nor even of the manner in which the
opinion you refer to was introduced. The sentiment
I remember perfectly, and indeed it has been the
uppermost in my mind ever since I first heard that
there was a probability of the Austrians joining. I
am sure I expressed the opinion of the danger strongly,

120 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 56.

and perhaps what may be worth Cobbett's while to
recollect, that Pitt made the very foolish answer f that
all war was attended with danger.' I replied that
they were not the general dangers of war that I
referred to, but the peculiar danger of Austria in the
existing circumstances'

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" St. Ann's Hill, November 6th, 1805.

"Many thanks for the Courier. These are won-
ders indeed, but they are not much more than I ex-
pected.* Now for a domestic speculation. Will the
country bear all this ? I fear they will bear every-
thing, but I allow they never were tried quite so high
before. I take for granted that there is no chance
now of the K. of Prussia joining, but that there should
be persons mad enough to wish it (and I hear
Ministers do wish it,) is an instance of infatuation
and stupid determination not to act by experience
unexampled in the annals of the world. It is not
enough to have laid Austria at Bonaparte's feet, but
they want to sacrifice Prussia to him also. If the
greater power could do nothing against him, taken by
surprise, as in some degree she certainly was, let us
try what a lesser power can do.

* The campaign of 1805, Ulm, &a

1805.] CHABLES JAMES FOX. 121

TO LORD HOLLAND.

" November 7th, 1805.

" Thank you, my dear Young One, for your packet
which I received. It is a great event,* and by its
solid as well as brilliant advantages, far more than
compensates for the temporary succour which it will
certainly afford to Pitt in his distress.

" I am very sorry for poor Nelson ; for though his
conduct at Naples was atrocious, I believe he was at
bottom a good man, and it is hard he should not
enjoy (and no man would have enjoyed it more,) the
popularity and glory of this last business. We have
been so occupied with Madoc that we have not yet
looked at Lope, but we will begin immediately. A
paper I have seen says that the Prussians jointly with
the Russians have entered Hanover, and that the
Emperor A. is at Potsdam. If this be so, I suppose
the K. of Prussia is in for it, and I dare say our wise
Ministers are quite happy at the prospect of offering
up another victim to Bonaparte's shrine. They will
never be satisfied till they have destroyed all possible
means of continental resistance to France. I am
sorry Hutchinson goes, because I have a great liking
to him. I have heard nothing of the offer to Moira,
and you do not mention what answer he has made.

Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX."
• The news of the Battle of Trafalgar.

122 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEiat. 5G-

TO THE HONOURABLE C. GREY.

St. Ann's Hill, December 3rd, 1805.

tt

" Dear Grey,

" What an age it is since I have heard from
you ! Perhaps you may make me the same reproach,
but I rather think mine was the last letter. I have
deferred writing these ten days, thinking that some
news would come which would clear up matters on
the continent to the conviction of everybody ; to mine
they are too clear already, and indeed have been so
for some time. I should hope you cannot disagree
with me, in thinking that Pitt ought to be fallen on
without mercy, for having set on foot the ill-timed,
rash, and ill-constructed attack of the Austrians,
without waiting either for Prussia, or even for the
Russian armies, that were to form so main a part of
the strength. However, I am sorry to say that some
among our new Allies, are far from ready for such an
attack, which (by very weak arguments as I think,)
they maintain, would tend to destroy all hope and
spirit here. So things stand at present ; but if events
should occur (and most probably they will,) which
will extinguish all hope of Austria continuing the
contest, then I think our friends will come nearly
right; for during the short time when Kickhort's
letter was believed, I know they considered all conti-
nental attempts as necessarily to be renounced. At
any rate, however desirable union may be, these are
points too important to sacrifice even for that object ;

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 123

at least I feel them so ; and could not answer it to
myself, if I did not make some effort to stop a system
Which, if it goes on one or two years longer, must end
in making Bonaparte as much in effect monarch of
Germany as he is of France.

" I saw John Ponsonby at Lord Paget's, who gave
me a very good account of Mrs. Grey, little Bessy,
and all of you ; and from him I was confirmed in what
I had before heard, that you were coming up. I had
concluded that for several reasons, the impeachment
among others, you would feel it necessary to do so,
and therefore have forborne teasing you ; all I shall
now press you for is, that it should be early, for the
first day if possible, for on the address itself there
must be a most interesting debate, and probably even
a division. Besides the general scheme of the war,
there is our own particular conduct in it for discus-
sion ; the timing of our expedition from home, and
the employment of our Mediterranean force in making
at least a most useless invasion of Naples. The
Parish Bill, and other subjects connected with it will
be brought on immediately, the first possible day after
the meeting ; and there we expect to be very strong,
as there will on that subject not only be a com-
plete unanimity among ourselves, but as I hear, and
believe, we shall be fairly supported by the Adding-

tons.

" If you chance to see Lauderdale, pray tell him
that I wrote him near a fortnight since a letter which
I desired he would answer by return of post, about
some vine cuttings, &c. Mrs. Fox desires to be kindly

124 CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. 56.

remembered to you all, and so do I, and wish you a
merry Christmas and happy new year,

Yours affectionately

" c. J. FOX."

" P.S. Are not you struck with the extreme impu-
dence of our ministerial bulletins? The assertion
that the convention between Murat and the Russians,
and the correspondence of Palfi were forgeries, was
sent to the newspapers by Ward, of the Secretary of
State's office. . They say the extreme follies they have
been guilty of in this way lately, are owing to Pitt's
being out of town/

»

MR. FOX TO LORD HOLLAND.

" December 7th, 1805.

" Dear Young One,

" I was very bad in not answering your
letters at Woolbeding, but I was always either
shooting or at chess.

" I will do all I can for attendance, but with respect
to what is to be done, I can say nothing positive till
after to-morrow, when I shall see Lord Grenville.
My own inclination is for the strongest and plainest
measures, such as refusal of subsidy, but I have little
hope of getting others to agree in this.

" The disapprobation of the manner and time of
the attack on France must I think be very general.
As to pacific language which is your phrase, I own I
doubt very much whether this is a time even for us,

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 125

(exclusive of new friends) to hold out that there is
much chance of obtaining any tolerable peace just
now. I think we ought more than ever to deal in
retrospect rather than prospect.

" Yours ever,

« C. J. FOX."

MR. FOX TO MR O'BRIEN.

"St. Ann's Hill, December 3rd, 1805.

" Thrice have I determined to trouble you with a
commission, and thrice have I forgotten it. It is
this, if an article in the papers is true that there is a
book opened somewhere (at the Herald's office I
think), to receive the names of those who purpose
attending Lord Nelson's funeral, I should like my
name to be set down. I shall attend if I am no
further from town than here, but at any rate I should
like to have my name set down."

TO THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

" December 17th, 1805.

"The folly of the newspapers is indeed beyond
credibility, but what is more extraordinary is that
they are certainly encouraged in holding out these
foolish and false hopes by the Ministers, who cannot
I should think seriously entertain them. I will tell
you a very strong instance of this. You have seen
probably paragraphs in almost all the papers stating the
Russian offer of capitulation, and the correspondence

126 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 5G.

with the Archduke Palatine to be forgeries ; now
these paragraphs were sent to the different newspapers
(the ' Homing Chronicle ' included) by Ward of the
Secretary of State's office ; and this as I am assured,
without the shadow of reason for thinking them
forgeries, except possibly their own foolish belief.
As to Pitt's illness, I heard in general that he was
not well, but till this day I never heard that anything
serious was apprehended. Letters from London
to-day mention reports of his being in great danger
with the gout in his stomach, but these are only
reports, and I do not believe them. That he has
had, and probably has stomach complaints is I believe
true. I believe his meeting Melville at Bath will
cause much scandal. I hear the Doctor talks of it
with uplifted eyes, and says he cannot believe it.
What do you think Pitt's death would produce just
now ? My speculation is, a new edition of an
Addington Administration, Peace of Amiens and all."

TO MR. O'BRIEN.

" December 26th, 1805.

" I return you the Lucius. I remember it's coming
out very well, and that it was afterwards the general
opinion that Junius was from the same pen, as also
some letters signed Atticus. I do not think much of
it, but you know I am no great idolizer of Junius."

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 127

TO LORD HOLLAND.

"January 1st, 1806.

"Dear Young One,

" I could not conceive what you meant by
asking how I made out the news, when from the
" Morning Post," which was sent to me, it appeared
all clear enough, God knows ; but 1 now suppose you
had not seen that paper, nor heard what was to be in
the evening ones. I think these events do make a
great change in the question of Amendment, and I
should hope will have much influence on those of our
friends whom I thought most unwilling, as their
principal argument was the fear of discouraging future
exertions on the continent. Such exertions are now
out of the question. I think now that an amendment
there must be; and I wish you and Lord Henry
would try your hands without loss of time in sketch-
ing out one. My only objection is, an apprehension
that others will use the phrase you do, of a trial of
strength, and I am sure it will not be a favourable
trial of strength for us. But this objection must
yield to other reasons ; and I have told those to
whom I have written that there would be a division.
I have done all I can for attendance. Between the
two sorts of amendment proposed I am pretty in-
different, but rather incline to a strong one, that is,
unless we should have reason to know, that a
soft one will gain us a dozen or two in numbers.
Say, therefore, to everybody that there will be an
Amendment and Division, and I shall be for risking
one whatever our probable numbers may be. I will

128 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

fairly own that, though I have some hope, I am not
very sanguine about being able so to word it as to
make Lord Grenville support it. If he does not, it
will be a sad affair, not only with respect to the
House of Lords, but with reference to the influence
of his conduct in the House of Commons ; but sad as
it is, this appears to me to be a moment when no
great sacrifice ought to be made, even for the purpose
of unanimity among ourselves, a purpose which I am
disposed to think as important as anybody else can.
When I go to town for the funeral I will endeavour
to see both Lord G. and Tom, and see what I can
make of them ; but I have a dread of arguing much
with obstinate men, lest one rivet them faster in their
absurdities. N.B. Pray do not repeat any part of
the above sentence to anybody. If we fail in getting
a strong support on the Amendment, I would not
despond, but bring on without loss of time either the
Friday or the Monday after the meeting, the Parish
Bill, and other circumstances connected with Land
Military Force ; whether we are to continue the war or
to treat for peace, a respectable army is equally neces-
sary, and not only this is a subject on which Pitt is
particularly vulnerable ; but it is one on which we
shall probably have the full support of the Addingtons,
as well as that of all our friends. Lord Henry ought,
with as little delay as possible, to bring on his Scotch
jobs, and especially Melville's additional salary.* In

* Lord Melville holding the sinecure place of Keeper of the Privy Seal
of Scotland, with a large salary, obtained a large addition to it, without
any duties to perform.

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 129

short, we ought to act as vigorously as possible in the
early part of the session, as I know it is the general
wish, and there may be hopes of keeping some in
town whom it would be more difficult to bring back.
I had a letter from Windham about a week ago, and
I was sorry to see a disposition in him upon any even
slight appearance of success to form new hopes for a
coalition. However, that evil must be now quite
done away, and his desire to blame Ministers is as
strong, I think, as that of any of us. Pray write a
line before you go to Bedfordshire, to say what im-
pression the news seems to make.

" P.S. — I mean the substance of this letter, all
indeed except the one tabooed sentence, for Lord
Henry as well as you. You and he must work this
session like dray horses. It would not be amiss if you
would get made, for yourselves as well as for me, a
catalogue of all the subsidiary treaties since the
revolution. I wish you would look, too, at the famous
passage in Demosthenes, to which yesterday's ' Morn-
ing Post* refers, and tell me where it is. I re-
member it very well, but not all the circumstances of
the case to which it is applied, nor am I sure in what
oration it is. I rather think in the wept <rre<f>ai>ou."

TO SAME.

"January 2nd, 1806.

" I am very much surprised at your letter, which
1 have just received, as both Mr. Knap and I wrote

VOL. IV.

130 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 56.

yesterday. Mine was a very long, and if I may say
so, a very wise and instructive letter which, if it has
not reached you, your loss is as great as it is
irreparable.

" As to your news I must know Pitt's resignation
for certain before I believe it.

" I am told that it is reported Parliament is not
to meet on the 21st, but I suppose there is no
ground for this report. Putting off in Pitt's present
circumstances would be fatal to him. If there
be any truth in the report of his going out, for
God's sake do all you can to prevent our friends
from being eager to come in, until they are sure of
being quite and entirely masters. The taking of
anything short of complete power, would be worse
than anything that has as yet happened, and most
especially for the Prince. The Fish's* turning Foxite
is a strong circumstance, but still I am incredulous
as to P. 's going out voluntarily.

" Yours affectionately,

« C. J. FOX."

TO HON. CHARLES GREY.

" January 10th, 1806.

"Dear Grey,

" I received yours of the 5th on my return
hither to-day, and too late for the post ; but as you
wish me so much to write again, I just write a few
lines to tell you that I am more sanguine than I was

* John Crauford, Esq., of Piccadilly.

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 131

about our all agreeing to march in one column,
though God knows, far enough from anything like
certainty. I do not think any of our friends, or even
the Ministry, are quite mad enough to wish for
another campaign in Germany, even with the
Russians or Prussians ; but the difficulties will be of
a minor kind, and arising from apprehensions, which
I deem unseasonable, lest the condemnation of the
particular attempt should imply a condemnation of
the general system, &c, &c. Though I have men-
tioned Ministers, one can know little or nothing of
their opinions. Pitt has been seriously ill, and, as
I believe, too much so to attend to these matters ;
and without him, what are the rest ? It is now said,
that Sir Walter Farquhar, who went to Bath for
him, is now coming back with him to London, but
for this I will not vouch.

" Concerning the delusions of the Courier, bulle-
tins, &c, I should hope and believe there can be no
difference among us ; and perhaps this is of all the
most important point for the House of Commons.
Tom Grenville comes here to-morrow, and when I
have seen him I shall be able to say more ; but
unless [I send this time enough to get into to-
morrow's post, it will hardly reach you by the 16th.
I will write Sunday or Monday, and direct to you
to the post-office, Doncaster, to be left till called for.
I am very happy to hear Mrs. Grey and the children
come, but I could almost wish you would leave them
a day behind you, rather than not be in London on
the 19th. Between the 19th and 20th there is a

K 2

182 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 56.

great difference, especially to me. Mrs. Fox desires
to be kindly remembered to you all.

" Yours ever,

" C. J. FOX."

The following letters and extracts are taken from
the correspondence of Mr. Fox with my father, John,
Duke of Bedford, during the time that he was Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, and Mr. Fox Secretary of State.
The latest of these letters, it will be seen, is dated
June 16th.

TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

"April \Zth, 1806.

" First let me beg a line to say how the Duchess
is, for we have been uneasy at the accounts in the
newspapers.

" I do not yet hear whether or not the report of
the Bishop of Limerick's death is confirmed. If he is,
Dean Warburton, I suppose, will be the new bishop ;
but if this should give an opening to any translation, I
should be very happy if the Bishop of Killala should
get a step. He is one of the few bishops who are emi-
nent for their learning, and I have good reason to think
has been kept down chiefly on account of the im-
partial narrative he gave of the landing of the French.
I have no acquaintance with him whatever, but I
think it would be a creditable thing to do, and that it
is a Utile JMumbent on us not to let a man suffer

1806.] CHARLES JAKES FOX. 133

from his having abstained from the violent and
abusive language, which has done so much mischief.

"I hear great complaints of the bad example
shown in retaining Marsden, who is represented as
a man willing, and, from his situation, capable of
doing all manner of mischief to you and your friends ;
but of this I know nothing ; in my brother's business
he certainly behaved very ill. There are, besides,
complaints of many torturers and persecutors being
left in power, but of this you must be able to get far
better information than I. My advice is, if you can-
not steer quite even, rather to risk offending those
attached to the old system than our real friends.

" With regard to us here, our bed of roses * is not
very comfortable. This Prussian war, which we had
no means of avoiding, but by a submission equal to
that of the King of Prussia himself, will be very
injurious to our commerce, and of course cause great
discontent ; and if there be a bad harvest, the evil will
be incalculable. The best way of seeing it is, that if
Russia joins heartily, we may make some impression ;
if not, there will be a pretence for a separate
peace.

"Our budget gets a little unpopular, as was
natural to expect; on the other hand I hear that
Windham's plans are pretty generally approved.
However, they will certainly be fought with all the
strength of our opponents in three parts. First,
the repeal of the Parish Bill ; secondly, the limited
term of service ; thirdly, the abridging the allowances

* A phrase of Lord Costlereagh'B.

134 CORRESPONDENCE OB 1 [.Etat. 56.

to volunteers. It is, therefore, most desirable that we
should then, if we can, not only get a large propor-
tional majority, but large positive numbers. I hope
you will desire Elliot to bring or send us as great a
reinforcement from Ireland as possible. Next week
and the week following will probably be the time
they will be most wanted. Some of the bills may,
probably, be read a second time to-morrow and
Tuesday se'nnight, but the Committees and the
Report scarcely till the week following. Pray let me
know whether the Archbishop of Dublin is recovered,
and give me in general as early notice as possible,
when anything of importance becomes vacant, together
with your wishes on the matter. To prevent omis-
sions on either side of lesser points, I will agree, if
you will, to write regularly once a-week, suppose
Saturdays, to each other, and this to hold even if we
have nothing more to say than common news. Pray
remember Mrs. Fox and me in the kindest manner to
the Duchess."

TO THE SAME.

"April 20th, 1806.

" Whitbread opened the business capitally yester-
day. Our division to-night will be of the utmost
importance. ,,

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 185

TO THE SAME.

" April 2Qth, 1806.

" I have received yours of the 19th, and am much
obliged to you for it. I will keep steady to a weekly
correspondence. With respect to Hardy's case, it is
merely this, that he was sometime in the Irish parlia-
ment, always supported our principles without a
single deviation, was a distinguished speaker there,
and is in very indifferent circumstances. He is a
friend of Grattan's and of Lord Moira's, and though
1 am but little acquainted with him, I have an
excellent opinion of him, and a regard for him for the
Bishop of Down's sake, whose brother-in-law he was.
I certainly did mention him to Elliot, and I believe
to you, for an office, but stronger claims stood in his
way. An opportunity may offer, and he is really a
most deserving man.

" I am much obliged to you for what you say about
the Bishop of Killala. You know my motives. He
is, I know, a very moderate man respecting the
Catholics, but is more a man of learning than a
politician.

" With respect to Mr. Evans's, a case which I think
of the greatest importance, I have burnt or mislaid
his son's original letter, but I enclose you his reply to
my answer. He was offered leave to return if he
would retract his former opinions. This he will
not do, and is, I think, quite right in his determi-
nation. But he promises future quiet obedience,

186 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 56.

and can give any security that may reasonably
be demanded. He is an old man. His son is a man
of most excellent character, and the Tightest disposi-
tions in all respects, and has, I have reason to believe,
more influence with the Catholics and the remainder
of the rebels than any other person. This influence
he has used, and is still using for the best purposes,
as far as he can venture to use it at all. If some
lenity, especially in cases where, as in this, nothing
is required, is not used, I have no hopes of any
solid union among the different classes of Irishmen.
The word rebel must not frighten us, and whenever
there is reason to think the intentions for the future
good, such intentions ought to be encouraged. I
mentioned Evans to Elliot, as well as to you. Lord
H. Petty knows the son very well, and the Parnells,
especially William, who is one of the best as well as
one of the cleverest men I ever knew, can give you a
more full account of him. With respect to the
divisions among the Catholic body, they are to be
lamented, but remember the names first in rank are
not the first in influence. Upon this point, too, you
would do well to consult Wm. Parnell.

" I have no time to add anything about affairs here.
All negotiation with France is now, I understand,
at an end. We insisted on negotiating jointly with
Russia; they on a separate negotiation. The differ-
ence between us is, therefore, plain and intelligible,
but nothing of this ought yet to be mentioned pub-
licly. You will be happy to hear that it occasioned no
difference or even shade of difference in the cabinet/'

1806.] . CHARLES JAMES FOX. 137

TO THE SAME.

" May 3rd, 1806.

" Particularly in regard to Currau I know that
he, more than anybody, feels the necessity of marking
strongly the favour of government to him. I am
afraid what you say is true, that Curran's private
character does not stand so high as one might wish,
but his public conduct, his resisting of temptations,
his support of the cause of justice and humanity,
when few, very few dared support it, are merits which
cannot be overlooked without disgrace to us, more
especially as the reasons against making him Attorney-
General (very weak ones in my judgment) cannot be
alleged. I most anxiously hope, therefore, that the
negotiation you allude to will soon be brought to
bear.

" I hope and believe that on all these points Elliot
will be right, but I am sure that the Chancellor * and
you cannot be wrong. There is no man of more
sound and excellent judgment than the Chancellor;
my only apprehension is, that he should attend too
much to what his enemies may tell him will be the
public sense on his conduct and that of the govern-
ment. When you two thoroughly agree, do not let
yourselves be shaken."

Right Hon. George Ponsonby, afterwards leader of the Whig Party in
the House of Commons.

CORRESPONDENCE OF

TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

"May 13(A, 180ti.

" I could not resist going to hear Romilly suni
up on Saturday, which is the day I wish usually tc
allot to writing to you, and I have not had a mo-
ment since. I am very glad indeed to hear Evans's
request is to be granted, and will write without
delay to his son, to desire him to make a proper
application. I entirely concur with you in thinking
it right, that in case the first vacant see should nol
be of the very first class Dean Warburton should
have it, but when the case of translation does occur,
I still feel anxious for Stock. There is something in
what you say of translation, but yet it is hard, when a
man of merit happens (which is mere chance) to get a
poor bishopric at first, he should not be preferred.
Stock and Hamilton are, I believe, of all the Irish
bishops the only two eminent for learning, which you
know both with Lord G. and myself is a matter of
great weight.

" Perhaps you are right on the subject of Sir R.
Musgrave, and I am sure most of my colleagues are of
the same opinion with you. I cannot help retaining
prejudices on matters of this sort, and am
ty most exceedingly sorry that I have been
' < 1 1 ■< I to acquiesce so much aa I have done in what
d a conciliatory system here. The bad effects
my eyes are becoming every day more visible,
permitted persons to think that they may

ISO*] CHXRLES JAMES FOX. 1*»

be considered as friendly, though they reserve to
themselves the intention of opposing us on particular
questions, where Pitt's memory and what not is con-
cerned. The consequence of this is, that our friends
are (and in many cases most reasonably) discontented,
and say, ' Surely if enemies are indulged with such
reserves, much more we/ Thus ever? fancv anv
man takes about volunteers, limited service, &x\, makes
him vote against us, or stay away, saving that his
opposition is confined to that question, and there are
many who think we shall not be able to earn through
Windham's plan in its most essential parts, in which
case, whatever people may fancy, there must be an
end df the administration. The leading men in rank
and property among the Catholics must certainly be
the great object of attention, only it is good to be
aware, not for the purpose of slackening that attention,
but for that of extending it to others, that their
influence is not what one could wish.

" As to English matters you will guess from what
I have said above, that we are not in a very easy
state. Many of our friends are clamorous with us to
give way on that part of Windham's plan which to
him and me seems the most essential. If we give it
up I shall consider all as lost, and the best thing to do
is to break up the Ministry at once ; but if a different
opinion prevails, which is most likely, wc may stay a
little longer, but with an absolute certainty of having
some other struggle with the King and the D. of Y.
in which we shall be defeated. I hope and trust,
therefore, that we shall not give up anything material,

142 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

miserable administration which alone could succeed
us. On the subject of instructions to the commander-
in-chief, I imagine Lord Spencer has already written
to you as fully as he is enabled to do at present. The
Duke of York was three hours with him yesterday,
and will probably be as long with Lord Grenville
to-day, but I trust nothing material will be conceded
on this or any other occasion. I will not conceal
from you that I am very glad that Marsden is going
out, and it is not necessary to say anything more on
the subject. Pray let me know as soon as you have fixed
his successor ; the less connection he has had with the
old castle the better. I think what you had conveyed
to Sir Richard Musgrave was quite right. If I was
desirous of turning him out it was because, knowing
and feeling every day what we have lost by the fear of
being thought persecutors, I apprehend the like effects
with you. If we had completely routed the Melvil-
lites, do you think they would have the courage or the
means to be endeavouring openly to preserve and
even increase their party power in Scotland ?
# " In yours of the 25th you say if our majority is
small you think we ought to give up, and this was
strongly my opinion, but the divisions, though not so
good as one could wish, were too good to bring that
point in question.

" I am very happy indeed to find from your note
of the 26th, how thoroughly you are pleased with
Elliot. I knew it would be so. I have the highest
opinion of him in every respect, and though I wish
he had not been in the castle during Lord Camden's

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 143

and Lord ComwaUis' lieutenancies, I am perfectly
convinced that he has come out (a most rare instance)
uncontaminated from that sink of iniquity. There is
something in my eyes of liberality, honour, and
gentlemanlike feeling in him that I have seldom seen
equalled, and not unmixed with a fair show of
prudence. '

" I am very happy indeed to learn by yours of the
81st, that Evans's business is in so fair a way. You
have never said whether you have seen, any of you,
William Parnell. He is perhaps rather romantic, but
is an excellent man with great talents, and if he takes
a right turn may be of great service to you."

TO THE DUKE OF BEDFORD.

St. Ann's Hill, June 16th.

a

"A job and a fraud are very different things,
and you may as well look for an Irishman free from
the brogue as one free from job.

" Your statement of the comparative value of the
bishoprics, as well as what related to Dean Warbor-
ton's present preferment, makes my requesting him to
give way quite out of the question. So no more
at present about Dr. Stock, but on the next occasion
I shall return to the charge. As to his not attending
much to the duty of a diocese where there are no
Protestants, I do not value that much ; while on the
other hand I do value very highly his learning and
particularly his edition of Demosthenes. If I had my

144 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 56.

own way, except in very particular cases, I never
would make a man a bishop, who was not eminent in
some branch of learning. I do not care which, but
classical learning is of course my favourite. Besides,
I must repeat, it is our duty to recompense, at least
with our countenance, those who have been oppressed
on account of their moderation ; and that he has been
so vexed on account of his narrative is a fact in which
not only Lord Hutchinson, but all those with whom
I have conversed, are agreed.

" With regard to our general situation I own I feel
now very confident. From the moment of our
first division on the Limited Service Bill, 254 to 129,
I began to be sanguine, and was not much staggered
by the reports circulated. You must consider that
the letting the men go during a war was not liked
among many of our best friends, and that the name
of Windham 8 Plan studiously connected with volun-
teers, &c, was for a time very unpopular. I mention
this to show that we came to our divisions under great
disadvantages. There was at one time a shoul of
rage against Windham from the shabby feeling that
some of all parties are but too apt to entertain, and
which makes them hate any man who proposes any-
thing bold, and which may lead to turn them out.
To this sentiment Pitt almost always yielded. That
we may be in some cases obliged to do so too I fear,
but I trust very seldom, and this will make the great
distinctive feature of this administration compared
with former ones. Hopes were afterwards entertained
by the opposition that they should have assistance in

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 145

the House of Lords. These hopes are now at an
end ; 91 to 34 is a great division without proxies.

"Tavistock and his brothers left us on Friday
evening, and we were highly pleased with them all.
And now adieu : only in perfect confidence, and to you
only, let me add that I think things look something
better for peace than they did. Here we have had
two charming days of idleness and enjoyment, but
must return to town to-day/'

The private correspondence ends here. I add
the official correspondence in French and English
relating to the negotiation of 1806* The French
copies are printed from the Archives of the Foreign
Office at Paris; the English dispatches from the
Papers laid before Parliament. It will be seen that
each has passages which are omitted in the other.
For instance, the French government omit the letter
of M. de Talleyrand, containing an extract of the
Emperor's speech, and the papers laid before parlia-
ment omit some of the phrases which do homage to
the virtues and character of Mr. Fox.

MB. FOX TO M. DE TALLEYRAND.

" Downing Street, U 20 Ftorier, 1806,

"Monsieur le Ministre,

" Je crois de mon devoir, en qualite d'hon-
nete homme, de vous faire part, le plutot possible,
d'une circonstance assez etrange qui est venue a ma

VOL. IV.

IIS

[&*.*•

.. indmt » fee ' I W »e *« ™ tie , ois fc son T*'
«t se c° ocvu _j- «.ww

,,ut V'""'

150 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.Etat. 56.

" Vous voyez, monsieur, comme on est dispose ici
d'aplanir toutes les difficultes qui pourront retarder
la discussion dont il s'agit. Ce n'est pas assurement
qu'avec les ressources que nous avons, nous ayons &
craindre, pour ce qui nous regarde, la continuation de
la guerre. La nation Anglaise est de toute TEurope
celle qui souffre le moins de sa duree, mais nous n'en
plaignons pas moins les maux d'autrui.

" Faisons done ce que nous pouvons pour les finir :
et tachons, s'il se peut, de concilier les interets res-
pectifs et la gloire des deux pays avee la tranquillitc
de TEurope et la fflicite du genre humain.

" J'ai l'honneur d'etre avec la plus haute conside-
ration, monsieur, de votre Excellence le tres-humble
et trfcs-obeissant serviteur,

(Signe)

" C. J. FOX."

M. DE TALLEYRAND TO MR. FOX.

"lcrArrU,l&06.

" Monsieur,

" A l'heure meme oil j'ai re?u votre lettre
du 26 Mars, je me suis rendu aupr&s de sa Majeste,
et je me trouve heureux de vous informer qu'elle ma
autorise a vous faire sans delai la reponse suivante : —

" L'Empereur n a rien a desirer de ce que poss£de
TAngleterre. La paix avec la France est possible et
peut ctre perpetueUe, quand on ne s'immiscera pas
dans ses affaires interieures, et qu'on ne voudra ni

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 151

la contraindre dans la legislation de ses douanes et
dans les droits de son commerce, ni faire supporter
aucune insulte a son pavilion.

u Ce n'est pas vous, monsieur, qui avez montrd*
dans un grand nombre de discussions publiques, une
connoissance exacte des affaires generates de l'Europe
et de celles de la France, qu'il faut convaincre que
la France n'a rien k desirer que du repos, et une
situation qui lui permette de se livrer, sans aucun
obstacle, aux travaux de son industrie.

" I/Empereur ne pense pas que tel ou tel article
du traite d'Amiens ait ete la cause de la guerre. II
est convaincu que la veritable cause a ete le refus de
faire un trait6 de commerce necessairement nuisible
aux manufactures et a 1'industrie de ses sujets«

"Vos predecesseurs nous accusaient de vouloir
tout envahir. En France, on accuse aussi FAngle-
terre. Eh bien ! nous ne demandons que l'^gaUte ;
nous ne vous demanderons jamais compte de ce que
vous ferez chez vous, pourvu qu'a votre tour vous
ne nous demandiez jamais compte de ce que nous
ferons chez nous. Ce principe est d'une reciprocity
juste, raisonnable, et respectivement avantageuse.

" Vous exprimez le desir que la negotiation n'abou-
tisse pas a une paix sans duree. La France est plus
interess6e qu' aucune autre puissance & ce que la
paix soit stable. Ce n'est point une treve qu'elle a
inter^t de faire, car une treve ne ferait que lui pre*
parer de nouvelles pertes. Vous savez tres-bien que
les nations, semblables en ce point a chaque homme
considfere individuellement, s^ccoutument a ime

152 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 56.

situation de guerre comme a une situation de paix.
Toutes les pertes que la France pouvait faire, clle
les a faites ; elle les fera toujours dans les six premiers
mois de la guerre. Aujourd'hui notre commerce et
notre industrie se sont replies sur eux-memes, et se
sont adaptes h notre situation de guerre. Dfes-lors
une tr&ve de deux ou trois ans serait en meine
temps tout ce qu'il y aurait de plus contraire a nos
interets commerciaux et a la politique de l'Empereur.
" Quant k Intervention d'une puissance 6trangere,
l'Empereur pourrait accepter la mediation d'une
puissance qui aurait de grandes forces maritimes ; car
alors sa participation a la paix serait reglee par les
memes interets que nous avons a discuter avec yous ;
mais lat mediation dont vous parlez n'est pas de
cette nature. Vous ne voulez pas nous tromper ct
vous sentez bien qu'il ny a pas d'egalite entre vous
et nous dans la garantie d'une puissance qui' a trois
cent mille hommes sur pied, et qui n'a pas d'armee
de mer. Du reste, monsieur, votre communication
a un caract&re de franchise et de precision que nous
ji'avons pas encore vu dans les rapports de votre
cour avec nous. Je me ferai un devoir de mettrc la
meme franchise et la meme clarte dans mes reponses.
Nous sommes prets . a faire la paix avec tout le
monde. Nous ne voulons en imposer a personnc,
mais nous ne voulons pas quon nous en impose ; et
personne n'a ni la puissance ne les moyens de le faire.
II n'est au pouvoir de personne de nous faire revenir
sur des traites qui sont executes. L'int^grite, l'inde-
pendance entire, absolue, de l'empire ottoman, sont

J80&] CHARLES JAMES FOX 153

non-seulement le desir le plus vrai de rEmpereur,
mais le point le plus constant de sa politique.

" Deux nations 6clairees et voisines Tune de l'autre
manqueraient a Topinion qu'elles doivent avoir de
leur puissance et de leur sagesse, si elles appelaient
dans la discussion des grands interets qui les divisent,
des interventions 6trangferes et eloignees. Aussi,
monsieur, la paix peut etre traitee et conclue irame-
diatement, si votre cour a veritablement le desir d'y
arriver.

"Nos interets sont conciliables par cela ineme
qu'ils sont distihcts. Vous etes les souverains des
niers ; vos forces maritiines egalent celles de tous les
souverains du monde reunies. Nous sommes une
grande puissance continental ; mais il en est plusieurs
qui ont autant de forces que nous sur terre ; et votre
preponderance sur les mers mettra toujours notre
commerce & la disposition de vos escadres, des la
premiere declaration de guerre que vous voudrez
faire. Pensez-vous qu'il soit raisonnable d'attendre
que lTEmpereur consente jamais k se mettre aussi
pour les affaires du continent a votre discretion ? Si,
maltres de la mer par votre puissance propre, vous
voulez l'etre aussi de la terre par une puissance com-
binec, la paix n'est pas possible ; car alors vous voulez
y arriver par des resultats que vous ne pourrez
jamais atteindre.

" L'Empereur, tout accoutume qu'il est a courir
toutes les chances qui pr^sentent des perspectives
de grandeur et de gloire, desire la paix avec TAngle-
terre. II est bomme. Aprfes tant de fatigues, il

1*4 CORRESPONDENCE OP [jEtat. 5C

voudrait aussi du repos* P&re de ses sujets, il sou-
haite, autant que cela peut etre compatible avec leur
honneur et avec les garanties de Tavenir, leur procurer
les douceurs de la paix, et les avantages d'un com-
merce heureux et tranquille.

u Si done, monsieur, sa Majeste le Roi d' Angleterre
veut reellement la paix avec la France, elle nommera
un plenipotentiaire pour se rendre a Lille, J'ai
l'honneur de vous adresser des passe-ports pour cet
objet. Aussitot que sa Majeste TEmpereur aura
appris Tarrivee du ministre de votre cour, elle en
nommera et en enverra un sans delai. L'Empereur
est pret a faire toutes les concessions que, par
Tetendue de vos forces navales et votre preponde-
rance, vous pouvez desirer d'obtenir. Je ne crois pas
que vous puissiez refuser d'adopter aussi le principe
de lui fiaire des propositions conformes a l'honneur de
sa couronne et aux droits du commerce de ses £tats.
Si vous etes justes, si vous ne voulez que ce qu'il vous
est possible de faire, la paix sera bientot conclue.

"Je termine en vous declarant que sa Majeste
adopte entierement le principe expose dans votre
depeche, et presente comme base de la negociation,
que la paix proposee doit etre honorable pour les
deux cours et pour leur allies respectifs.

" J'ai l'honneur d'etre avec la plus haute conside-
ration, monsieur, de votre Excellence le tres-humble
et tres-obeissant serviteur,

(Signe),

«CH. MAUR. DE TALLEYRAND,
Prince pi B4n£vent."

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 155

MR. FOX TO M. DE TALLEYRAND.

"Downing Stmekt, ce 8 Avril, 1806.

" Monsieur,

" Je n'ai reju qu'hier au soir votre depeche
du 1" courant. Avant dy repondre, permettez-moi
d'assurer votre Excellence que la franchise et le ton
obligeant qu'on y remarque ont fait ici le plus grand
plaisir. Un esprit conciliatoire, manifeste de part et
d'autre, est deja un grand pas vers la paix.

" Si ce que votre Excellence dit, par rapport aux
affaires interieures, regarde les affaires politiques, une
reponse n'est gu&re necessaire ; nous ne nous y im-
mis^ons pas en temps de guerre ; a plus forte raison,
nous ne le ferons pas en temps de paix ; et rien n'est
plus eloigne des id6es qui prevalent chez nous, que de
vouloir ou nous meler des lois interieures que vous
jugerez propres a regler vos douanes et soutenir les
droits de votre commerce, ou insulter a votre pavilion.

" Quant a un traite de commerce, TAngleterre croit
n'avoir aucun intfret a le desirer plus que les autres
nations. II y a beaucoup de gens qui pensent qu'un
pareil traits entre la France et la Grande-Bretagne
serait egalement utile aux deux parties contractantes ;
mais c'est une question sur laquelle chaque gouverne-
ment doit juger d'apres ses propres aper?us ; et celui
qui le refuse n'offense pas, ni n'a aucun compte a
rendre a celui qui le propose.

" Ce n'est, monsieur, pas moi seulement, mais tout
homme raisonnable doit reconnaitre que le veritable
int6ret de la France, c'est la paix ; et que, par cons6-

m CORRESPONDENCE OP [Mtat. 50.

quent, c'est sur sa conservation que doit etre fondee
la vraie gloire de ceux qui la gouverneut.

" II est vrai que nous nous sommes mutuellement
accuses; mais il nc sert a rien, dans ce moment-ci, de
discuter les argumens sur lesquels ces accusations ont
6te fondees. Nous desirons comme vous l'egalite.
Nous ne sommes pas assurement comptables Tun a
Tautre de ce que nous faisons chez nous ; et le prin-
pipe de reciprocity a cet £gard, que votre Excellence a
propose, parait juste et raisonnable.

" On ne peut pas disconvenir de ce que vos raison-
nemens sur rinconv&iient qu'aurait pour la France
une paix sans duree, ne soient bien fondes ; mais, de
l'autre cote, celui que nous eprouverions serait aussi
tres considerable. II est peut-etre naturel que, dans
de pareils cas, chaque nation exagere ses propres
dangers, ou qu'au moins elle les regarde de plus pres
et d'un ceil plus clairvoyant que ceux d'autrui.

" Quant a Intervention d'une puissance etrangfere,
il faut d'abord remarquer que, pour ce qui regarde la
paix et la guerre entre la France et TAngleterre, la
Russie ne peut etre censee puissance etrangere, en ce
qu'clle est actuellement en alliance avec TAngleterre
et en guerre avec la France. C'est pourquoi, dans
ma lettre, c'etait comme partie, non comme mediateur,
qu'on a propose de faire intervenir TEmpereur
Alexandre.

"Votre Excellence, dans la dernifcre clause de la
depechc, reconnait que la paix doit etre honorable tant
pour la France et TAngletcrre que pour leur allies
respectifs. Si cela est, il nous parait etre impossible,

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 157

• • •

vu Tetroite alliance qui subsiste elitre les deux gouver-
nemens que celui de l'Angleterre puisse commencer
une negociation, sinon provisoire, sans la concurrence
ou tout au moins le consentement prealable de son
allie.

" Pour ce qui est de Tintegrite et de Tindependance
de Tempire ottoman, aucune difficulte ne peut s'offrir,
ces objets etant egalement chers a toutes les parties
interessees a la discussion dont il est question. %

" II est peut-etre vrai que la puissance de la France
sur terre, comparee a celle du reste de PEurope,
n'est pas egale a la superiority que nous possedons
sur mer, envisagee sous le meme point de vue ; mais
il ne faut plus se dissimuler que le projet de combiner
toute TEurope contre la France est chim^rique au
dernier point. Au reste, c'est en verite pousser un
peu trop loin -les apprehensions pour Favenir, que
d'envisagcr Talliance entre la Russie et TAngleterre
(les deux puissances de TEurope les moins faites pour
attaquer la France par terre) comme tendant a pro-
duire un result at pareil.

/' L'intervention de la Russie a la negociation ne
peut non plus etre regardee comme la formation
d'un congres, ni pour la forme ni pour la chose,
d'autant qu'il n'y aura que deux parties ; la Russie
et TAngleterre d'un cot6, et la France de Tautre.
Un congres pourrait etre bon, a beaucoup d'egards,
apres la signature des preliminaires, en cas que toutes
tes parties contractantes soient de cet avis ; mais c^est
Un projet & discuter librement et amicalement, apres
que Taffaire principale aura 6te arrangee.

158 CORRESPONDENCE OP [uEtat. 56.

"Voila, monsieur, que je vous ai expose, avec
toute la clarte que j'ai pu, les sentimens du ministere
Britannique sur les notions que votre Excellence a
suggreees. Je me plais a croire qu'il ny a qu'un
seul point essentiel sur lequel nous ne sommes pas
d'accord.

" Des que vous consentirez que nous traitions pro-
visoirement jusqu' a ce que la Russie puisse inter-
venir, et des-lors conjointement avec elle, nous
sommes prets a commencer, sans differer d'un seul
jour, la negociation en tel lieu et en telle forme que
les deux parties jugeront les plus propres a con-
duire a bon escient l'objet de nos travaux, le plus
promptement possible.

"J'ai Thonneur d'etre avec la consideration la
plus distinguee, monsieur, de votre Excellence le
tres-bumble et tres-obeissant serviteur,

•* c. J. FOX."

M. DE TALLEYRAND. TO MR FOX.

w PABis,kl6 Avril, 1806.

" Monsieur,

"Je viens de prendre les ordres de sa
Majeste TEmpereur et Roi, sous les yeux de qui je
m'etais empress^ de mettre la d£peche que votre
Excellence m'a fait Thonneur de m'ecrire, en date
du 8 AvriL

" 11 a paru a sa Majeste, qu'en admettant, comme
vous le faites, le principe de T^galite, vous petsistiez
cependant a demander une forme de negociation qui

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 159

ne peut s'accorder avec ce principe. Lorsque entre
deux puissances egales, une d'elles reclame Finterven-
tion d'un tiers, il est evident qu'elle tend a rompre
cet £quilibre si favorable a la juste et libre discussion
de leurs interets. II est manifeste quelle ne veut pas
se contenter des avantages et des droits de Tegalite.
J'ose croire, monsieur, qu'en revenant une dernifcre
fois sur cette discussion, je parviendrai a persuader &
votre Excellence qu'a aucun titre et pour aupun motif,
la Russie ne doit etre appetee dans la negociation
proposee entre la France et TAngleterre.

" Lorsque la guerre a delate entre les deux &ats, la
Russie etait en paix avec la France* Cette guerre n'a
rien change dans les rapports qui existaient entre elle
et nous. Elle a d'abord propos6 sa mediation; et
ensuite, par des circonstances etrangeres a la guerre
qui nous divise, des froideurs etant survenues entre
les deux cabinets de Saint Petersbourg et des Tuileries,
TEmpereur Alexandre a juge a propos de suspendre
ses relations politiques avec la France, mais en meme
temps il a declare, de la maniere la plus positive, qu'il
etait dans Tintention de rester etranger aux debats
existant entre nous et TAngleterre.

"Nous ne pensons pas que la conduite que la
Russie a tenue depuis cette epoque, ait rien change
a cette determination. Elle a, il est vrai, conclu un
traite d'alliance avec vous, mais ce traits, il est aise
d'en juger par ce qui en a ete rendu public, par Tobjet
qu'il avait en vue et plus encore par les resultats, n'avait
aucun rapport avec la guerre qui existait depuis pres
de deux ans entre nous et TAngleterre. Ce traite etait

160 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Jitat. 56.

un pacte de participation a une guerre (Tune nature
diffi&rente, plus etendue et plus generale que la pre-
miere. C'est de cette guerre qu'est h6q la troisieme
coalition, dans Iaquelle TAutriche £tait puissance prin-
ciple et la Russie puissance auxiliaire. 1/ Angleterre
n'a particip£ qu'en projet a cette guerre ; jamais nous
n'avons eu a combattre ses forces r^unies a celles de
ses allies. La Russie ne s'y est montree que secon-
dairement. Aucune declaration adressee a la France
n'est venue nous apprendre qu'elle etait en guerre
avec nous, et ce n'est que sur les champs de bataille
o\i la troisieme coalition a ete detruite* que nous avons
ete officiellement mformes que la Russie en avait fait
partie.

" Lorsque sa Majesty Britannique a d6clar6 la guerre
a la France, elle avait un but qu'elle a fait connaitre
par ses manifestes. Ce but constitue la nature de la
guerre. Lorsque, dix-huit mois apr&s, sa majeste
Britannique s'est alliee avec TAutriclic, la Russie, et
la Suede, elle eut d'autres objets en vue ; ce fut une
nouvelle guerre dont il faut cliercher les motifs dans
les pieces officielles qui ont ete pubises par les diverses
puissances. Dans ces motifs, il n'est jamais question
des interets directs de TAngleterre, ces deux guerres
n'ont done aucun rapport ensemble : TAngleterre n'a
point participe reellement a celle qui est terminee : la
Russie n'a jamais pris de part ni directe ni indirecte
a celle qui dure encore. II n'y a done aucune raison
pour que TAngleterre ne termine pas seule la guerre
que seule elle a faite avec nous.

" Si sa Majeste l'Empereur adoptait le principe de

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 161

negocier maintenant avec TAngleterre unie a ses
nouveaux allies, elle admettrait implicitement que la
troisieme coalition existe encore, que la guerre d'Alle-
magne n'est pas finie, que cette guerre est la meme
que celle que la France soutient contre TAngleterre :
elle accepterait implicitement pour base de la negotia-
tion les conditions de M. de Novosilzoff, qui ont excite
Tetonnement de l'Europe et souleve le caract^re fran-
?ais : et de vainqueur de la coalition, TEmpereur se
placerait volontairement dans la position du vaincu.

"Aujourd'hui TEmpereur n'a plus rien a debattre
avec la coalition : il est en droit de meconnaitre les
rapports que vous avez eus avec elle ; et en traitant
avec vous, il ne peut etre question que du but et des
interets de la guerre entreprise anterieurement a vos
alliances et qui leur a survecu.

" Quoiqu'il n'y ait que six mois que le voile qui cou-
vrait les combinaisons secretes de la derniere guerre a
ete dechire, il est cependant vrai que le continent est
en paix. Le principal des vos allies, rAutriche, a fait
sa paix separee. La Prusse, dont les armes ont ete
pendant quelque temps sur le pied de guerre, a fait
avec nous un traite d'alliance offensive et defensive.
La Su&de ne merite aucune mention. Quant a la
Russie, il existe entre elle et nous des propositions
directes de negociation. Par sa puissance, elle n'a
besoin de la protection de personne, et elle ne peut
reclamer Tintervention d'aucunc cour pour terminer
les differens qui nous divisent. Par sa distance elle
est tellement hors de notre port^e, corame de tout
moyen de nuire, que Tetat de guerre ou Tetat de paix

162 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 56.

ne produit dans nos rapports respectifs que des
changemens purcment diplomatiques. Si, dans une
telle situation, TEmpereur acceptait de negocier con-
jointement avec TAngleterre et la Russie, n'en m^con-
naitrait-il pas tous les avantages ! ne supposerait-il
pas Texistence d'une guerre qu'il a glorieuseraent ter-
minee ! n'abandonnerait-il pas enfin de lui a l'Angle-
terre le principe d'une egalite deja convenue entre
nous ! Pour peu, monsieur, que vous vouliez ex-
aminer, avec le discernement qui vous appartient, les
considerations que j'ai l'honneur de vous exposer, vous
conviendrez qu'une telle negotiation nous serait beau-
coup plus prejudiciable que la guerre et raeme qu'un
congres.

"En effet dans un congres, si l'Angleterre, la Suede,
et la Russie debattaient pour faire pr^valoir les prin-
cipes qui ont servi de fondement a la troisieme coali-
tion, la Prusse, le Danemarck, la Porte, la Perse, et
TAmerique reclameraient contre ces principes et de-
manderaient des lois £gales de uavigation et un juste
partage dans le domaine de la mer. Sans doute, dans
cette discussion, on voterait souvent la diminution du
pouvoir de l'Angleterre. Des puissances reclameraient
Tequilibre du midi de 1' Europe, mais d'autres aussi
reclameraient l'equilibre du nord. Un grand nombre
s'occuperaient de l'equilibre de 1'Asie : toutes s'intd-
resseraient a l'equilibre des mers : ct si, du sein de tant
de discussions orageuses et compliquees, il est possible
d'esperer qu'il en sortit un resultat, ce rcsultat serait
juste, parce qu'il serait complet. Et certes, sa majeste
l'a declare dans toutes les circonstances. Elle n'aura

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 163

point de repugnance a faire des sacrifices pour la
tranquillite publique, lorsque l'Angleterre, la Russie
et toutes les grandes puissances seront chacune dis-
posees a reconnaitre les droits etablis, a prot^ger les
etats faibles, et a adopter des principes de justice, de
moderation, et d'egalite : mais TEmpereur connait
trop les hommes pour se laisser seduire par des
chim^res, et il connait que ce serait s'egarer que de
chercher la paix dans un dedale de dix ans de debats,
qui pendant ce temps, perpetueraient la guerre et ne
feraient que rendre son terme plus incertain et plus
difficile a atteindre. II faudrait alors changer de
route, et faire comme on fit a Utrecht, laisser les
allies se morfondre dans des debats interminables et
inutiles, traiter seul a seul, discuter, comme on fit
alors, les interets des deux puissances et ceux de
leurs allies respectifs : faire enfin la paix pour soi, et
la faire assez equitable et assez honorable pour qu'elle
ne put manquer d'etre agre^e par toutes les puissances
interessees. Voila comme il convient, non pas dans dix
ans, mais aujourd'hui, que deux puissances telles que
l'Angleterre et la France terminent les differens qui
les divisent, et etablissent en meme temps la r&gle de
leurs droits et celle des interets de leurs amis.

" Pour me resumer, Monsieur, je ne vois dans la
negociation proposee que trois formes possibles de
discussion : negociation avec l'Angleterre et les allies
qu'elle a acquis lors de la formation de la troisi&me
coalition ; negociation avec toutes les puissances de
TEurope, en y joignant les Americains ; negociation
avec TAngleterre seule. La premiere de ces formes

M 2

164 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.«tat. 56.

est inadmissible, parce qu'elle soumettrait l'Empereur
& Tinfluence de la troisifeme coalition, qui n'existe
plus. L'Empereur eut negocie ainsi, s'il eut ete
battu. La seconde forme de negociation eterniserait
la guerre, si les incidens inevitables qu'elle mul-
tiplierait a tous les instans, et les passions qu'elle
d£chainerait sans mesure, ne faisaient pas rompre
avec eclat la discussion peu d'annees apres qu'elle
aurait ete etablie. La troisi&me est done la seule que
doivent desirer ceux qui veulent veritablement la
paix. Sa Majeste est persuadee que les dispositions
justes et moderns qu'elle aime a reconnaitre dans
le ton et le langage du ministere de sa Majeste Bri-
tannique, secondant, au gre de ses desirs, les senti-
mens pacifiques dont elle est plus que jamais
determinee k donner des preuves a ses amis et mfeme
a ses ennemis, les peuples, epuises des efforts d'une
guerre dont l'int^ret est aussi difficile & sentir que
la veritable objet en est difficile a connaitre, verront
enfin sortir de la negociation proposee une paix qui
est reclamee par tous leurs besoins et par tous leurs
vceux.

" Agr6ez, Monsieur, &c.
(Signe),

"CH. MAUR. DE TALLEYRAND,
Prince de B^n^yent."

"Downing Street, ce 21 Avril, 1806.

" Monsieur,

" J'ai re?u avant-hier la depGche de votre
Excellence, du 16 de ce mois.

" Apres Favour lue et relue avec toute Fattention

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 165

possible, je n'y trouve aucun argument suffisant pour
induire notre gouvernement & changer l'opinion qu'il
a deja enonc^e, savoir, que toute negotiation oil
la Russie ne serait pas comprise comme partie, est
absolument inadmissible. Nous voulons la paix : mais
nous ne pouvons rien vouloir qui puisse porter
atteinte, oil & la dignite de notre souverain, ou &
Thonneur et aux interets de la nation.

" Or, si nous traitions sans la Russie, vu les liens
etroits qui nous unissent & cette puissance, nous nous
croirions exposes au reproche d'avoir manque & cette
fidelite scrupuleuse dans nos engagemens, dont nous
nous faisons gloire, tandis que, de l'autre cot£, en
persistant dans notre demande que la Russie soit
admise, nous ne croyons rien faire qui soit contraire
au principe d'6galite que nous reclamons tous les
deux.

" Lorsque les trois plenipotentiaires se trouveront
ensemble, qpmment croire qu'on put rien emporter
par la pluralite des voix, ou mfime qu'uue assemblee
pareille ett rien de commun avec un congr&s general !
11 n'y existerait effectivement que deux parties, d'un
cote, la France: de 1'autre, les deux puissances
alliees.

" Au surplus, si Ton voit tant d'avantages dans une
affaire de cette nature a se trouver deux contre un,
il n'y aurait aucune objection k cc que vous fissiez
intervenir celui de vos allies que vous jugeriez &
propos.

"Desirant sincerement d'eviter des disputes in-
utiles, je ne me permets pas d'entrer dans la dis-

166 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 56.

cussion des consequences que votre Excellence tire
des eveneinens de la derni&re campagne.

" Je remarquerai seulement, en passant, que je ne
vois pas par quelle raison une alliance doit etre
envisagee comme nulle, par rapport aux puissances
qui y tiennent, parce quune de celles qui la compo-
saient en a ete detach^e par les malheurs de la guerre.

" Quant a Touverture que la Russie vous a faite,
nous ne savons ce qui en est : mais quelle qu'en soit
la nature, nous sommes persuades que cette cour ne
se conduira jamais de maniere a compromettre la
loyaute reconnue de son caractere, ou d'affaiblir les
liens d'amitie et de confiance qui subsistent entre
elle et rAngleterre.

" Pour revenir au point, votre excellence dit que
dans la negotiation proposee, elle ne voit que trois
formes possibles de discussion : la premiere vous parait
inadmissible.

"D'apres ce que j'ai eu Thonneur de,vous dcrire,
vous devez juger, Monsieur, que la troisieme est
incompatible, tant avec nos idees fondamentales de
la justice et d'honneur, qu'avec notre aper?u des
interets de notre pays. La seconde n'est pas peut-
etre mauvaise dans son principe; mais, outre les
delais qu'elle causerait, elle ne serait guere prati-
cable dans la conjoncture actuelle.

" C'est done avec bien du regret que je dois de-
clarer nettement & votre Excellence que je ne vois
nul espoir de paix dans ce moment-ci, a moins que
chez vous on ne se dispose a traiter dans la forme que
nous avons proposee.

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 167

" Je crois devoir ajouter que cette forme nous est
essentielle, non seulement pour les raisons que j'ai
eu Thonneur de developper a votre Excellence, mais
en tant que tout autre pourrait faire naitre des
soup$ons que de fait vous entreteniez le projet chime-
rique quon vous reproche (a tort, comme j'ainie a
le croire) de nous exclure de toute relation avec les
puissances du Continent de TEurope ; et meme
qu'une telle idee est moins revoltante pour nous
qu'elle ne devrait l'etre et qu'elle ne Test en effet.
Ce n'est pas & un ministre aussi eclaire que votre
Excellence qu'il puisse etre n^cessaire de declarer
que TAngleterre ne peut jamais consentir a une
exclusion qui la degraderait du rang qu'elle a tenu
jusqu'ici, et qu'elle croit pouvoir toujours tenir parmi
les nations du monde.

" La chose enfin se trouve reduite a un seul point :
veut-on traiter conjointement avec la Russie ! oui ;
veut-on que nous traitions separement ! non.

" Bien que nous n'ayons pas reussi dans le grand
objet que nous nous sommes propose, les deux
gouvernemens n'ont qu a se louer de Thonnetete et
de la franchise qui ont caracterise la discussion de leurs
differens : et je vous dois sur mon compte particulier,
Monsieur, des remerciemens de la maniere obligeante
dont votre Excellence s'exprime a mon egard.

" Je vous prie d'agreer les assurances de ma con-
sideration la plus distinguee.

" J'ai Thonneur d'etre, de votre Excellence, le tres-
humble et tres-obeissant serviteur,

(Signe), "C.j. pox."

1C8 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.Etat 56.

'« Pauis, \e 2 Juin, 1806.

" Monsieur,

" J'ai mis sous les yeux de l'Empereur la
derniere lettre que votre Excellence m'a fait Thonneur
de m'ecrire. Je ne puis que vous repeter, d'apres
ses ordres, qu'exiger de la France qu'elle traite avec
vous sur le principe de votre alliance avec la Russie,
c'est vouloir nous rfeduire a une forme de discussion
forcec, et nous supposer dans un etat d'abaissement
oil nous ne nous sommes jamais trouves. On ne doit
jamais se flatter d'imposer a la France ni des condi-
tions de paix, ni un mode de negotiation contraire aux
usages. L'exigence sur Fun oil l'autre de ces points
affecte £galement le caract£re fran?ais : et je ne crains
pas de dire que, pour triompher a cet egard de toutes
nos repugnances, ce ne serait pas trop qu'une armee
Anglaise eut envahi la Belgique et fut a la veille de
penetrer en Picardie par les debouches de la Somme.

" Je dois encore vous repeter, Monsieur, que dans
la verite sa Majeste desire la paix : et pourquoi
n'ajouterais-je pas ce que nous avons pu dire, ce que
nous avons reellement dit a toutes les epoques oil les
negociations ont 6t6 rompues, que la prolongation de la
guerre n'a jamais ete pr^judiciable a la grandeur fran-
chise, et qu'en temps de paix un grand etat ne peut faire
usage de ses forces que pour se maintenir et pour con-
server telles qu'elles sont ses relations avec ses voisins !

" La France ne vous conteste pas le droit de choisir
et de conserver vos amis ; dans la guerre, elle n'a pas le
choix de ses ennemis, et il faut bien qu'elle les combatte

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 169

urns ou separes, selon qu'il leur convient de se concerter
pour accomplir leurs vues degression et de resistance,
et de former des alliances si peu conformes a la veri-
table politique de leur pays, que la premiere clause de
ces alliances a toujours ete de les tenir secretes.

" Parce que nous voulons suivre, dans cette circon-
stance, la forme de negotiation qui a ete en usage
dans tous les temps et dans tous les pays, vous en
concluez que nous ne voulons pas que vous ayez des
liaisons sur le continent. Je ne pense pas que nous
ayons jamais donne lieu a une telle induction. II
ne depend de nous d'empecher aucun gouvernement
de se Her avec vous, et nous ne pouvons vouloir, ni
ce qui est injuste, ni ce qui est absurde : mais autre
chose est que vous formiez des liaisons a votre choix,
et autre chose que nous y concourions, et que nous
vous aidions a les contracter. Or consentir a traiter sur
les principes de vos alliances et les admettre dans la
discussion des int^rets directs et intermediats qui nous
divisent, c'est plus que les souffrir et les reconnaitre,
c'est en quelque sorte les consacrer, les cimenter, et
les garantir. Je vous l'ai ddja fait observer, monsieur,
nous ne pouvons ceder sur ce point, parce que le
principe est pour nous. Toutefois, pour ne laisser
lieu desormais a aucun malentendu, je crois de mon
devoir de vous proposer, 1. De negocier dans les
memes formes preliminaires qui furent adoptees sous le
minist&re de M. le Marquis de Rockingham en 1782,
formes qui ne furent pas si heureusement renouvelees
pour les negociation de Lille, mais qui eurent un
plein succ&s dans la negociation qui preceda le traite

170 CORRESPONDENCE OF |>Etat. 56.

cT Amiens. 2. D'etablir pour bases deux principes
fondamentaux ; le premier, que je tire de votre lettre
du 26 Mars, savoir, ' que les deux etats auront pour
objet que la paix soit honorable pour eux et pour les
allies respectifs, en meme temps que cette paix sera
de nature a assurer, autant qu'ils le pourront, le repos
futur de rEurope.'

"Le second principe sera une reconnaisance, en
faveur de Tune et de l'autre puissance, de tout droit
d'intervention et de garantie pour les affaires con-
tinentales, et pour les affaires maritimes. Non-seule-
ment sa majeste ne repugne pas a faire un tel aveu,
elle aime a l'eriger en principe : et en vous exposant
ainsi ses veritables intentions, je crois vous avoir
donn6 une preuve decisive de ces dispositions paci-
fiques. Sa Majeste se persuade, en meme temps,
qu'en prevenant pour toujours a cet 6gard tout sujet
de plaintes, d'inquietudes et de declamations, elle a
fait, sur un point qui interesse essentiellement le bien
de l'humanite, son devoir d'homme et de souverain.

" Ce serait, Monsieur, avec regret que je verrais
finir une discussion qui a commence sous de si bons
presages. J'aurais toutefois, en perdant une espe-
rance qui m'est bien ch^re, la consolation de penser
que la tort de Favour fait ^vanouir ne saurait fitre
impute k la France, puisqu'elle ne demande et ne
veut que ce qui est raisonnable et juste.

" Agreez, Monsieur, Tassurance de ma plus haute
consideration.

(Slgne), „ CH M DE TALLEYRAND,

Prince de B&n£vknt."

1806.] CHARLKS JAMES FOX. 171

" Downinq Street, ce 14 Juin, 1806.
" M0N8IEUR,

" J'ai re£u, il y a quelques jours, la d^peche
de votre Excellence en date du 2 du mois courant.

" Je ne conc^ois pas comment, en traitant avec la
Russie et nous conjointement, vous ayez i\ recon-
naitre le principe de F alliance entrc elle et nous.
Tout au plus vous ne reconnaissez que le fait.

" Encore moins puis-je deviner comment cette ma-
nure de traiter vous suppose dans un etat d'abaisse-
ment quelconque. Nous ne pretendons nullement
imposer a la France ni les conditions de la paix, ni
un mode de n£gociation contraire aux usages. En
1782, £poque que votre Excellence cite elle-meme
dans sa dep&che, nous ne nous croyions pas dans un
etat d'avilissement : cependant, lorsque M. de Ver-
gennes nous dit qu'il fallait, pour Thonneur de sa
cour, que nous traitassions conjointement avec elle,
la Hollande, et TEspagne, nous adoptames, sans
croire en aucun sens nous degrader, le mode auquel
ce ministre paraissait attacher tant de prix. Votre
gouvernement veut sincfercment la paix: ici on la
desire egalement : et je pourrais cependant dire de
TAngleterre ce que votre Excellence dit de la France,
que la prolongation de la guerre n'a jamais ete pre-
judiciable ni h sa gloire ni a sa grandeur : k ses
vrais interets permanens peut-etre bien, mais egale-
ment & ceux de la France.

" Quant k ce qu'il y a eu de secret dans notre
traite d'alliance avec la Russie, votre Excellence est
trop eclairee pour ne pas reconnaitre que, pour ce

172 CORRESPONDENCE OF [iETAT. 56.

qui regardait la guerre et les propositions qu'on aurait
& faire k la Prusse et a TAutriche, le secret &ait
n^cessaire. Tout cela est passe. Agir de concert
paur procurer en premier lieu le repos a l'Europe et
pour le lui conserver apr&s, c'est le principal, je pour-
rais mfrne dire Tunique objet de nos liaisons.

"Apres la manure franche dont vous desavouez
Tintention qu'on vous a imputee a tort, par rapport
k ce qui regarde nos liaisons continentales, il ne peut
plus exister le moindre doute sur ce point essen-
tiel ; et il n'en serait que plus facheux que les
difficultes qui regardent la forme plutot que la chose
fissent continuer une guerre que les deux gouverne-
ments souhaitent egalement de terminer.

" Venons k ce que votre Excellence propose. La
forme qui cut lieu dans le minist&re du Marquis de
Rockingham m'est d'autant plus presente h, la me-
moire, que j'occupais alors le mcme poste dont sa
majeste a bien voulu recemment m'honorer. Que
la France et TAngleterre changent de position, et
c'est precisement celle que j'ai propos^e. Nous
traitions alors avec la France et ses allies : que la
France traite h, cette heure avec nous et les notres.

" Les bases offertes dans votre seconde proposition
sont parfaitement conformes aux vues de notre gou-
vernement; bien entendu que, lorsque nous recon-
naissons mutuellement nos droits respectifs d'inter-
vention et de garantie pour les affaires de TEurope,
nous convenons aussi mutuellement de s'abstenir de
tout empietement de part et d'autre sur les etats
plus ou moins puissans qui la composent.

180&] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 178

" Je ne regretterais pas moins que votre Excellence
que cette discussion finit. Pour peu que nous puis-
sions agir de fa$on qu'on ne puisse pas nous re-
procher d'avoir manque h. la bonne foi vis-a-vis d'un
allie qui merite h tous egards une confiance entiere
de notre part, nous serons contens; d'autant plus
que nous savons qu'une paix honorable ne serait pas
moins conforme aux vceux de la Russie qu'st ceux de
la France et de l'Angleterre.

" J'ai l'honneur d'etre, avec la consideration la plus
distinguee, de votre Excellence, le tres-humble et tr&s-
obeissant serviteur.

(Signe),

" c. J. FOX."

" Monsieur, je ne vous ecris que deux mots pour
vous dire combien je suis satisfait du d^sir que vous
avez temoigne pour la paix. — Au surplus, Lord
Yarmouth a toute ma confiance : tout ce qu'il vous
dira, vous pouvez croire que c'est moi-meme qui
vous le dis. — Le temps presse. Agreez tous mes
hommages.

" c. J. FOX.

" LondrtM, ce 14 Juiit, 1806."

I give no more of these despatches. The remainder
of the volume will comprise official letters relating to
the negociation of 1782, the correspondence of Mr.
Fox with Gilbert Wakefield, already published, a few
letters from Mr. Fox to Mr. Trotter contained in that
gentleman's Memoirs of Fox, and some letters from
Mr. Fox to the Duke of Portland, for which I am
indebted to the kindness of the present Duke.

174 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 33.

MR. FOX TO MR. GRENVILLE.

St. James's, April ZOth, 1782.

tt

" Sir,

"Although from the conversation we have
had together upon the objects of your journey to Paris,
I have no doubt but you are perfectly master of the
line of conduct which you are wished to follow there,
yet as it may be a satisfaction to you to have some
written instructions upon the subject, I am com-
manded by His Majesty to acquaint you that it is his
pleasure that you should proceed in the following
manner. When you arrive at Paris, you will endea-
vour to see Mr. Oswald as soon as possible, who will
probably have announced your arrival, and from whom
you may possibly collect whether the sentiments of
Mons. de Vergennes and Dr. Franklin continue to be
the same as they appeared to him in the first inter-
view he had with them ; you will then go to Mons. de
Vergennes, with whom your conversation will be more
or less open, as you find him (either from previous
information or otherwise) more or less inclined to
entertain sentiments favourable to the object of your
journey. You will first of all assure him of His Ma-
jesty's sincere and ardent wishes for the blessings of
a general peace, and acquaint him, that in order to
save the effusion of human blood, His Majesty wishes
the time and place of treating to be those which are
most likely to bring matters to a speedy issue. With
this view you will name Paris, provided it can be so
managed as to give no cause of offence to the Courts

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 175

of Vienna and Petersburgh. With respect to time, you
will inform him that you are ready to send over hither
for plenipotentiary powers, whenever matters shall
appear to be ripe for such a measure. These things
being settled, you will naturally propose to him to
state to you some general outlines of his ideas on the
subject of general pacification, which, if he should
refuse, as there is too much reason to suppose he will,
you will naturally enough be led to throw out yours ;
but with what degree of authority you are to state
them, whether as merely your own, or as those which
from your intimacy and confidence with me, you
know me to share in common with you, or as those
of His Majesty and his Ministers, must be left en-
tirely to your discretion, which will of course be
guided in a great measure by what you see and hear
upon the spot, and by the degree of sincerity which
you suppose to be in Mons. de Vergennes's pacific
professions, — as to the manner, therefore, you are to
judge, but the substance must be this : That His
Majesty is willing to cede to His Most Christian
Majesty, and his allies, the point which they, at
various times, and upon various occasions, declared
to be the subject of the war, and particularly in the
last answer from the Court of Versailles to the medi-
ating Courts ; that is to say, to accede to the com-
plete independency of the thirteen American States,
and in order to make the peace, if it should take place,
solid and durable, to cede to said States, the towns
of New York and Charlestown, together with the
province of Georgia, including the town of Savannah,

176 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 33.

all which are still in His Majesty's possession, —
provided, that in all other respects, such a general
and reciprocal restitution shall take place in every
quarter of the globe, on the part of the belligerent
Powers, as shall restore things to the state they were
placed in by the treaty of Paris, 1763. When this
is stated as the basis of the intended treaty, you will
of course understand and explain if necessary that it
does not exclude any exchange of possessions which may
be made to the mutual satisfaction of both the Parties.
You will not fail to dwell upon the importance of those
places, which we should be ready to restore, upon
such a treaty taking place. The acquisitions in the
East Indies, St. Pierre, and Miquelon, places so neces-
sary to their fisheries, and above all St°. Lucie, must
be principally insisted upon. The importance of this
last can scarcely be exaggerated beyond the opinion
which I have reason to think they entertain upon the
subject. After having seen Mons. de Vergennes,
you will go to Dr. Franklin, to whom you will hold
the same language as to the former, and, as far as his
country is concerned, there can be no difficulty in
showing him that there is no longer any subject of
dispute, and that if, unhappily, this treaty should
break off, his countrymen will be engaged in a war,
in which they can have no interest whatever, either
immediate or remote. It will be very material that,
during your stay at Paris, and in the various oppor-
tunities you may have of conversing with this gentle-
man, you should endeavour to discover whether, if the
treaty should break off, or be found impracticable on

1782.} CHARLES JAMES FOX. 177

account of points in which America has no concern,
there may not in that case be a prospect of a separate
peace between Great Britain and America, which after
such an event must be so evidently for the mutual
interests of both countries. As the direct object of
your journey, at present, is rather to fix the time and
place of a treaty, than to treat, it is not certainly
necessary that you should communicate with the
Count d'Aranda in this stage of the business ; but
whether it may not be advisable, is a question of
some doubt, and perhaps you cannot do better than
to consult the French Minister upon the subject.
This step will be attended with this advantage at
least, that it will take away all suspicion of our
attempting any separate peace with Spain, and show
a degree of confidence, which is always useful in
business. I need not say that it is His Majesty's
wish to have as frequent and exact accounts as may
be of anything material that may pass between you
and any of those with whom you are instructed to
treat, as well as any interesting intelligence you may
be able to procure with respect to the state of the
French Cabinet, and the influence that most prevails
there. I have nothing further to add but to acquaint
you that His Majesty relies with the utmost confi-
dence upon your abilities, for the dexterous manage-
ment of. a business upon which the situation of this
country may so much depend.

" I have the honour to be, &c.

" P. S. — It may not be amiss if your first intro-

YOL. IT. N

17$ CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 88.

duction to Mons. de Vergennes should be through
Dr. Franklin himself, with whom you may have as
much previous conversation as you may think ad-
visable."

MR. FOX TO MONS. DE VERGENNES.

" St. Jamb^s, April 3(M, 1782.

" Monsieur,

"Monsieur Grenville, qui a eu Thonneur
de vous etre presente par Milord Stormont du terns
de son Ambassade Jt Paris aura celui de remettre cette
lettre k Votre Excellence. Aprds le rapport que Mons.
Oswald nous a fait ici des sentimens favorables pour
la paix que Votre Excellence lui temoigna dans Fen-
tretien qu'il a eu i Versailles avec Votre Excellence
et Mons. Franklin, je n'ai pas era devoir differer un
moment d'envoyer chez vous quelqu'un qui put vous
assurer des sentimens de cette cour a cet egard — Le
nom, et j'ose ajouter le caract^re distingue de celui
que nous vous envoyons, fournisseut la preuve la
moins equivoque de la bonne foi dont nous agissons,
et si Mons. Grenville n'est pas encore revetu d'une
autorite formelle, ce n'est que parce que les circon-
stances ou se trouvent actuellement les choses
ne paroissent pas justifier une pareille demarche de
notre part. — Au reste je crois pouvoir assurer Votre
Excellence qu'il est on ne peut pas plus dans la confi-
ance des Ministres du Roi, que vous pouvez compter
sur tout ce qu'il aura Thonneur de vous dire, et qu'il
ne manquera pas de nous rapporter avec Texactitude

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 179

la plus scrupuleuse tout ce que vous lui ferez celui
de lui communiquer. — Quant a moi, je prie Votre
Excellence de me faire la justice de croire que je ne
me trouverais que trop heureux si cettc negociation
put prendre entre mcs mains une tournure conforme h,
i'esprit d'humanit^ qui anime les deux Souverains, et
que la moderation du Roi d'un cote, et la justice et la
magnanimite de S. M. T. C. de Tautre semblent
devoir promettre. — Permettez-moi Monsieur de ne
pas finir cette lettre sans vous marquer les sentimens
d'estime la plus parfaite avec les-quels j'ai l'honneur
d'etre Monsieur votre tres humble et obeissant ser-
viteur."

MR FOX TO MARQUIS DE CASTRIE&

* St. James's* April ZOth, 1782.

" Je profite avec empressement, Monsieur, du depart
de Mons. Grcnville pour vous temoigner ma recon-
naissance de I'echange de Mons. Stanhope, et des
sentimens aussi flatteurs pour moi, que Mons. Walpole
m'a fait l'honneur de me communiquer de la part de
Votre Excellence. Mons. Grenville qui^ aura celui
de vous remettre cette lettre, vous expliquera plus
au large, Monsieur, le motif de son voyage, et je
connais trop les sentimens d'humanite de Votre
Excellence, et les vues justes et Vendues qu'elle a
des vrais interets de sa patric pour ne pas m'assurer
de ses vceux pour l'heureux succfes de la commission
dont il est charge.

" J'ai l'honneur d'etre."

N 2

180 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtat. 38.

MR. GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

" Paris, May 10th, 1782.

" Sir,

" Having arrived at Paris on the 7th, I
accompanied Mr. Oswald on the 8th to Mr. Franklin
at Passy. Mr. Franklin told me that Mr. Laurens,
Mr. Jay, Mr. Adams, and himself had full powers,
all or any of them that should be present, to bind
Congress by any treaty to which they should sub-
scribe ; that Mr. Adams was very much busied in
forming a treaty with the Dutch, and therefore
could not come to Paris, but that he expected Mr.
Laurens and Mr. Jay very soon ; that as to the
connections of America with France, America was
free from any sort of engagement, but those which
existed in the two public treaties of commerce and
alliance, and that those two treaties were such as any
other nation was free to make with America ; that
America had been greatly obliged to France, and
must show her good faith in the observance of her
treaties. I said that the extent of that obligation was
what I wished him to consider, and whether, in the
independence of America, if that should be the basis
of a treaty, he did not see gratification enough for
France. He said it was a great deal, but that Spain
might want something, — he supposed, would want
Gibraltar, and that perhaps it would be of little use
to us, now we had lost Minorca and had less com-
merce to defend. I told him I hoped Spain would

m

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 181

be found to entertain no such idea ; that the opinion
of the whole nation and those who understood its
interests best, was, I believed, so decided upon that
subject, that I hoped it would make no part of any
negociation that looked to a prosperous conclusion :
he immediately said it was nothing to America, who
kept or who had Gibraltar. I trusted therefore, I
said, that things foreign to the subject of the
quarrel would not be permitted to break off a treaty,
and lead America on in a war where she could find
no interest, particularly as I could not help believing
there was still in America a good disposition towards
England. He said there were roots, that they would
want a good deal of management; that, knowing
much of both countries, he believed he could give
good counsel upon the subject; that he wished
reconciliation as well as peace, — that he thought
there were circumstances in the power of England
which might bring it about, that showing kindness
to the American prisoners, particularly those now
going home; that enabling those persons whose
houses had been wantonly burnt to rebuild them,
such things, if spontaneously done, would, he was
sure, have the , greatest effect to a real reconciliation.
I could only answer, that every practicable measure
would probably be taken to bring about a recon-
ciliation, by those who desired so sincerely to bring
about a peace : in this as well as in a subsequent con-
versation, his language, in manner, as well as sub-
stance, expressed a very earnest and unaffected wish
for peace, though always accompanied with pro-

183 CORRESPONDENCE OF [£i*T. UL

fessioiu of strict adherence to the treaties Ameriea
Jiad made.

" Yesterday morning I carried your letter. Sir, to
Versailles, and, by Mons. de Vergennes' de3ire, Mr.
Franklin went with me. As soon as I had stated to
Mons. dc Vergennes, his Majesty's sincere wish and
disposition to put an end to the calamities of war,
and the concurrence he was pleased to give that
Paris should be the place of treaty, he said he
could assure; mo that the King his master had the
Bimic good dispositions to peace, but that regarding
no the first object his good faith to his Allies, H. M.
C. M. could do nothing without them, and must,
previously to any thing else, send to Madrid and
I lollund for persons authorised to confer with me. I
answered that he must have been aware in reading Mr.
Fox's lettor, that I had no formnl authority whatever,
but that I had conceived it coidd not but be useful,
previous to tho necessary arrangements of a treaty, to
have that sort of communication by conversation
with him, which might show some general ideas upon
which both parties might enough agree, to find in
them the basis of a treaty.

" He said ho could make no overtures, nor any
answer to mine, till after a communication with the
**"" _ his master's Allies. I told him I was now
only looking to those general points which might
supply . prospect sufficient to the foundation of a
jApjpaUtion, and went on to say that one naturally
.H'k.'.l 1 m, .id* that which had been the motive of the
war. md avowed to be such by France as well as

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 183

America ; and that, was that cause of contest removed,
it seemed perfectly just, that in every other instance,
things should be placed exactly in the same state in
which they were before the contest existed. He said
he could not allow the independence of America to
be the only cause of war, for that France had found,
and not made, America independent ; but even sup-
posing that true, I must not forget that though the
last war began only upon the subject of Nova Scotia,
we had not confined ourselves to that at the Peace.
I answered that the comparison did not appear to me
just, for that the independence of America would be a
point gained more essential to the interests of France,
in the separation of Thirteen Provinces from England,
than any acquisition we had made by the last peace
had been to us. When I mentioned the important
possessions we had to restore, he interrupted me, in
speaking of St. Pierre and Miquelon, by crying out
' Oh, pour la peche, nous allons arranger cela bien
d'une autre mani&re/ He said we had checked and
constrained the French in all the quarters of the
world, that he wished for a treaty of peace more just
and durable than the last, and that the two principal
objects they should attend to, were justice and dignity.
I answered, that in any treaty to be made, he must
not forget, that justice and dignity were as essential
objects to one great nation as another. I did not
find it easy to make him advert to Ste. Lucie and to
the East Indies ; he contenting himself with saying, I
did not tell him all (he saw) at the first word, and
finished the conversation by telling me he would see

JM CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 31

mc the next morning, and that the Spanish Am-
bassador should meet me; and going out of the
room Haid, he did not foresee that what had now been
talked of would be the basis of a treaty.

11 When I saw Mons. dc Vergennes again this
morning, he told me he had his master's orders to
aay that II. M. C. M. partook very sincerely of those
depositions, which his Britannic Majesty felt, to put
an end to the calamities of war, and would do every-
thing in his power to facilitate that end, but that
having indissoluble engagements with his Allies, he
could not enter into any treaty without their partici-
pation, but would, in conjunction with them, listen to
any overtures, as soon as persons empowered by them
could bo hero. He then informed me that the Spanish
Ambassador would immediately send for powers to
Madrid, and that there would be time for me to send
for powers, that I might be ready when the others
were ; the Spanish Ambassador added that H. C. M.
had the samo good dispositions towards peace with
11. M. 0. M. I stud I would communicate to Mr.
.Fox what they had told me, — there was then pretty
Hoar the same discussion with that of the day before ;
the Spanish Ambassador insisting still more strongly
that his master's griefs were totally distinct from the
independence of America, and that to make a durable
peace, we must begin, he said, from the point at
which we now are. At my suggesting again to-day the
idea of ceding to 11. M. C. M. and his Allies, the
independence of America, Mons. de Vergennes, with
great earnestness said that the King his master could

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 185

not in any treaty consider the independence of America,
as ceded to him, and that to do so would be to hurt
the dignity of his Britannic Majesty ; which idea I
conceive to be thrown out only to lessen the value of
the sacrifice by disclaiming all share in it.

" Mons. de Vergennes was more explicit than
yesterday about the East Indies. He asked why we
should not content ourselves with Bengal; said it
was a great and rich province ; that our arms were
grown too long for our body, that the French had
experienced from us in India every sort of indignity,
and that, chiefly owing to the terms of the last peace ;
that for his part he could not read the last peace
without shuddering (sans fremir), and that in making
a new treaty they must be relieved from every circum-
stance in which their dignity had been hurt.

" Having thus, Sir, endeavoured to state to you
the most material parts of the conversations I have
had in the three days that I have passed here, you
will not, I am persuaded, expect much comment upon
them ; perhaps however it may not be unnecessary to
add, that Mons. de Vergennes's manner expressed a
very strong persuasion that England must make
infinitely more important and extensive sacrifices, to
give to a negociation much prospect of success ; the
line of the last peace seeming to be that which of all
others both he and Mons. Aranda are most intent
upon excluding from the present negociation.

" Permit me, Sir, only further to observe, that it
did not appear to me that anything could be facilitated
by using the latitude which was given to me, of

186 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 33.

making a direct proposition, and therefore confined
whatever I said to mere matter of conversation ; and of
that conversation I have already related to you every-
thing that seemed in the least respect worth leaving
to your consideration.

" I have the honour to be,

" With great truth and regard,
" Sir, your very obedient

" Humble servant,

" THOMAS GRENVILLE."

MB. FRANKLIN TO MR. FOX.

"Passt, Jfay KM, 1782.

"Sir,

"I received the letter you did me the
honour of writing to me, by Mr. Grenville, whom I
find to be a very sensible, judicious, and amiable
Gentleman. The name, I assure you, does not with
me lessen the regard his excellent qualities inspire.
I introduced him as soon as possible to Mons. de
Vergennes ; he will himself give you an account of
his reception. I hope his coming may forward the
blessed work of Pacification, in which, for the sake of
humanity, no time should be lost; no reasonable
cause, as you observe, existing at present, for the
continuance of this abominable war.

" Be assured of my best endeavour to put an end
to it. I am much flattered by the good opinion of a
person whom I have long highly esteemed, and I hope

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 187

it will not be lessened by my conduct in the affair
that has given rise to our correspondence.

" With great respect,

" I have the honour, &c,

« B. FRANKLIN.
"Right Hon. C. J. Fox, Esq.,

"Secretary of State, &c. n

MR. FRANKLIN TO LORD SHELBURNE.

" Passt, lZth May, 1782.

" I did myself the honour of writing to your Lord-
ship a few days since, by Mr. Grenville's courier,
acknowledging the receipt of yours of the 28th past,
by Mr. Oswald. I then hoped that gentleman would
have remained here some time ; but his affairs, it
seems, recall him sooner than he imagined. I hope
he will return again, as I esteem him more, the more
I am acquainted with him; and his moderation,
prudent councils, and sound judgement may con-
tribute much not only to the speedy conclusion of a
peace, but to the framing such a peace as may be
linn and long-lasting.

" With great respect, I am, &c,

" B. FRANKLIN.
" Earl of Shelburkb, &o. Ac"

MR. GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

"Paris, Jtfay 14/A, 1782.

" Sir,

" The letter which I sent to England, by
Lauzun, will, I flatter myself, have engaged your
attention to those difficulties, that seemed, from what

ISA CORRESPONDENCE OF [MtM. 33.

could be collected from Mons. de Vergennes' conversa-
tion, to attend the very first step in this business.
Upon further considering those difficulties, they seem
to demand such extraordinary attention to the form
and nature of the first proposition which His Majesty's
Ministers may be disposed to make, that I shall pre-
sume to trouble you with a few lines upon the subject,
and have very readily concurred in the inclination
Mr. Oswald has expressed, to go himself to London,
in order to state them as fully as he is capable of
doing.

" Everything that I have hitherto seen and heard,
leads me to believe, that the demands of France
and Spain will be found such as it will be difficult,
perhaps impossible, for England to comply with, as
they are at present conceived; that Spain looks to
Florida and Gibraltar; that France looks to very
essential alterations in the state of the Newfoundland
Fishery, to perhaps more than Grenada in the West
Indies, and to very extensive surrenders of commerce,
and territory in the East Indies. It is from the
expectation the Courts of Madrid and Versailles
entertain of being supported by America in these
claims, that they will derive the greatest confidence
in making them, and if so, whatever measure could be
found practicable to weaken that support, or to give
to France and Spain even the apprehension of losing
it, would be to take from them the strongest ground
of their pretensions in a negociation ; and could it be
effectually done, would put them more within our
reach in the prosecution of a war.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 189

" It is true, that the present state of America's
connection with France, and the good faith she
professes to observe in it, has given no prospect for
proposing to make with her a separate and distinct
treaty ; but, whether by giving in the first instance
independence to America, instead of making it a con-
ditional article of general treaty, we might not gain
the effects, though not the form of a separate treaty ;
whether more would not be gained in well-founded
expectation, than would be lost in substance; whether
America once actually possessed of her great object
would not be infinitely less likely to lend herself to
other claims, than if that object should remain to be
blended with every other, and stand part of a com-
mon interest ; whether the American Commissioners
would think themselves warranted, after such a
measure, in adhering to the demands of France and
Spain, or whether, supposing that they should, the
Thirteen Provinces would consent to the carrying on
the war upon such motives : whether too, the treaty
now forming with Holland, would not so be baffled
in its object, and that we should have, as it were,
concluded with America before she had finally en-
gaged herself with Holland. All these are questions
which seem of immediate and important consideration,
and I must say, for my apology in venturing to state
them, arise more from the critical situation of things,
than from any opinion I can presume to form about
them. Should I not, however, add that Mr,
Franklin's conversation has, at different times, ap*
peared to me to glance towards these ideas ? While

190 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.Etat. 83.

he was with me this morning, he went so far as to
say, that when we had allowed the independence of
America, the treaty she had made with France for
gaining it, ended; and none remained but that of
commerce, which we, too, might make, if we pleased.
He repeated, that he did not know what France
would ask, or would expect to be proposed ; but
mentioning immediately the article of Dunkirk, I
confess that by putting his conversation together,
I was distantly led to suppose that in case of
America's being first satisfied, she might be more
likely to save the honour of her good faith by sup-
porting France in such articles as that of Dunkirk,
than in the more essential claims upon the East
Indies. He ended by saying, that he saw the con-
sideration of so many interests, might make the
business very tedious ; but assured me that whatever
influence he had at this Court should be used to
accommodate things ; he had, too, once before said
that, in forming a treaty, there should, he thought,
without doubt, be a difference in a treaty between
England and America, and one between England
and France, that had always been at enmity : in
these expressions, as well as in a former one, where
he rested much upon the great effect that would be
obtained by some things being done spontaneously
from England, I think you will perhaps trace some-
thing not altogether wide of those ideas which I
suppose have weighed with him. What weight they
will have in your better judgment, is not for me
to consider. I conceived it important to state them ;

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. »1

and after that, have but to receive your orders upon
the subject, repeating only, that as yet there seems
little hope of a successful negociation with France,
and that America, which was the road to the war,
seems to offer the most practicable mode of getting
out of it, — perhaps, too, threatens the greatest danger
if she continues to assist the prosecution of it. I
have the honour to be, Sir, your very obedient
humble servant,

" THOMAS QRENYILLE."

MR FOX TO MR. GRENVILLE.

" St. James's, May 21rf, 1782.

" Sir,

" I have received your letter by Lauzun the
messenger, and laid it before the King. His Majesty
was pleased to refer it to the consideration of his
confidential servants, and, in consequence of their
advice, has thought proper to invest you with the
full powers, and to give you the instructions which
accompany this despatch. From the tenor of those
instructions, you will, I trust, easily perceive what
line of conduct you are expected to hold with respect
to the direct object of your mission ; but as it may
be of much advantage that you should be acquainted
with the general designs and views which have
influenced the conduct of the King's servants upon
this occasion, in order that you may shape yours
accordingly, his Majesty has directed me to explain
them to you* more fully. Upon reading your letter
it was impossible not to perceive that the whole cast

102 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JStat. 38.

and complexion of the French Minister's conversation
was very unfavourable to the expectation of any fair
or equitable peace in the present moment, and it
was therefore the principal concern of the King's
servants, what steps should be taken to enable them
to turn to account the probable failure of this nego-
tiation. The two objects that suggested themselves
first to their view, were, 1st, To detach from France,
if possible, some of her present allies; 2nd, To gain
some for this country. To these two might be
added a third, viz., To draw forth the exertions of
this country, and to induce the people to bear their
heavy burdens with patience, by showing them that,
if the war continues, it is not for want of reasonable
endeavours to make peace, on the part of the Crown.
To all these objects the same means seemed appli-
cable, and there appeared nothing for us to do, but
to convince the world of the sincerity of our wishes
for Peace, and our readiness to make reasonable
sacrifices, and to contrast these dispositions with the
ambitious views of our enemies, which it must be
our business as much as possible to unmask. No
better method could be thought of, for compassing
those ends, than by authorising you to make, in the
King's name, the propositions contained in your first
instructions, as a basis for a treaty, and, in case of
that proposal not being agreed to, to solicit some
proposition on their part. If they should make any
that wears in any degree the appearance of reason
and moderation, you will undoubtedly be instructed
to negociate upon it, and to enter into a discussion

1782L] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 193

of those points in which it may differ from our
ideas; if on the contrary, they should make one
consisting of exorbitant and absurd demands, or
refuse to make any, it will then surely be in our
power to convince the world in general, and America
and Holland in particular, that everything has been
done on our part, towards reconciliation ; and that
if they still persist in the war, they persist in it
without any interest of their own, and for the sole, and
at last avowed purpose of aggrandizing the House
of Bourbon. You will easily perceive how consis-
tent [it is] with those views, that you should cultivate
Dr. Franklin and the Dutch Minister in a peculiar
manner ; the former of whom, there is all reason to
believe, very sincere in his wishes for peace. If in
the course of this negociation a foundation could be
laid for a separate one afterwards either with Holland
or America, or both, it will have been a most fortu-
nate undertaking. You will, no doubt, make all the
use possible of the advantageous time in which you
are authorised to make these overtures, immediately
after the most important and decisive victory that
has happened during the war, which, though it has
undoubtedly given the greatest satisfaction to his
Majesty and the most important turn to his affairs,
has nevertheless made no alteration in those senti-
ments of moderation and humanity, which incline
his Majesty to make so many sacrifices for the sake
of Peace. The very different face of things from
that which they lately wore with respect to the
prospect of the West Indian Campaign, might surely

YOL. IT. O

194 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 33.

furnish abundant lessons of moderation to those who
think of grounding high and unreasonable demands
upon the good fortune they have hitherto experienced
in war. I need say no more upon this topic, as I
am sure it would be superfluous to observe, that with
the more modesty, and even delicacy, you speak of
this great event, the more the weight of it will be
felt by those with whom you are to converse upon
it. I send you inclosed the Gazette containing Sir
George Rodney's letters, and the account of the
advantages gained in the East Indies. I am com-
manded by his Majesty to send you the inclosed
case of Mr. Parker into which it is his Majesty's
pleasure that you should inquire, and give him all
the assistance possible. I am likewise commanded
by his Majesty to authorise you to agree to the
revival of the intercourse between Dover and Calais
by Packet Boats, if such a measure should be (as
there is reason to suppose) agreeable to the French
Court. I have nothing more to add, but to signify to
you the King's approbation of the manner in which
you have hitherto conducted yourself, and of the
very clear and distinct account which you have
given of your conversations with the different minis-
ters. — I have the honour to be," &c.

Instructions for Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Thomas Grenville,
Esq., whom we have appointed Our Minister to our Good
Brother, the most Christian King ; given at our Court, at
St. James's, the 21st Day of May, 1792, in the twenty-
second year of Our Eeigu.
Whereas, in consequence of Our earnest desire to put au

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 195

end to the calamities of war, in which Our Kingdoms are
engaged by the aggression of Our Enemies, we have thought
fit to direct you to repair to the Court of France ; and have
already directed you to be furnished with such papers and
information as may have enabled you to make overtures of
Peace, and to explain to the Ministers of Our Good Brother, the
Most Christian King, the basis on which a negociation for the
purpose of concluding a Peace between us and Our said Good
Brother can be entered upon ; and you having reported to one
of Our principal Secretaries of State, for Our information,
what passed in the conference with the Count de Vergennes ;
We have now thought proper to give you the following In-
structions for your conduct in the execution of the important
trust We have reposed in You.

1. On the receipt of these Our Instructions, together with
Our Full Power and credential letter to the Most Christian
King, you are to desire an audience of the Count de Vergennes,
Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in which
you will inform him that you are furnished with a credential
letter as Our Minister to His Most Christian Majesty ; but
you are not to deliver it (with its copy) to the Count de
Vergennes, 'till you shall receive Our further Instructions
from one of Our principal Secretaries of State.

2. You will, in this audience of the Count de Vergennes,
express Our regard for the Most Christian King, and Our
sincere desire to see a speedy and happy end put to the evils
of a war which has so long subsisted between the Two Crowns;
and you will likewise acquaint the Count de Vergennes that
you have a full power from Us ; a copy whereof you will
deliver to that Minister ; at the same time declaring that you
are ready to produce the Original when desired.

3. For your better guidance and direction in this important

Negociation, We have judged proper to lay down, and fix the

following essential points, by which you are to govern yourself

in your future conferences with the Count de Vergennes.

o 2

i. Vw » w r^^as ii *>sr Xtot lis ishetbiixs wiiciL toi
^*r* iuf*&:r wz. '/Jyx iesz*: V: zr***m *J& hraadtxana
'A uwau **//A, *:A fjni -rai. is :h*s :be cms *sii

l// * %p*Ay \mn*. With this view roa wnl agar* afflt ra»»
yr'/iruUA it ean be no uaotqeA as to give no cant of oftnce
t// t\t*, <y/urt* of Vienna and Petersboure. Whit respect 10
th* tii/i*, ywi will inform the French Minister that yoa are
kul\\itr\/*A by ma to present your letter of Credence when-
*v«r, our Good Hrothtr, the Most Christian King shall name a
\#f*m on hi* part, to repair to Our Court in quality of
MininUrr from the Maid Most Christian King.

6, If the (Jourt of France should declare their intention of
rmifjiiiff such a person, you will declare that you are ready and
dttftirouft to learn any ideas and intentions they may have for
carrying into effect with more speed and certainty, Our earnest
wi»he* lo restore Peace and Amity between the Two Crowns.

n\ You will acquaint the Count de Vergennes that, in order
to iittitiii this desirable end, We are willing to declare Our in-
tentions to cede lo His Most Christian Majesty and His
Allies, the point which they have, at various times and upon
various occasions, declared to be the subject of the War, and
particularly in the last answer from the Court of Versailles to
the Mediating Court* ; that is to say, to accede to the complete
Independency of the Thirteen American States; and in order to
make the IVaoe, if it should take place, solid and durable, to
erde to the said States the Towns of New York and Charles-
town, together with the Province of Georgia, including the
Town of Savannah, all which are still in His Majesty's pos-
****U»n s provided that in all other respects such a general and
NH'iprwal restitution shall take place in every quarter of the
UMh\ ou the part of the IWlligcrent Powers, as shall restore
thing* to the state they were placed in bv the Treat v of

***** U«a,

1% ThU beiag the K**» of the intended Treaty of Peace,

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 197

you will explain to the French Minister, that it does not
exclude any exchange of possessions which may be made to
the mutual satisfaction of both parties.

8. You will not fail to dwell upon the importance of those
places which We should be [have] to restore upon such a Treaty
taking place — The acquisitions in the East Indies, St. Pierre,
and Miquelon, places so necessary to their Fisheries; and
above all, St. Lucie must be principally insisted on.

9. In case Monsieur de Vergennes should not consider your
Overture as a sufficient Basis to form a Treaty upon, or should
reject the Terms offered by you as inadmissible, you will
acquaint him that We having, on Our part, made such a pro-
posal as appeared to Us reasonable, We expect on theirs, either
a concurrence in Our ideas, or some proposition of their own ;
and you will immediately transmit to one of Our Principal
Secretaries of State, for Our information, the French Minister's
answer to this request. You will observe to him how idle it
would be for both Countries, that much time should be spent
in this Negociation, unless there are some hopes of agreement ;
and therefore press for as little delay as possible, in giving an
answer to your Proposition, declaring that if that answer
should be a refusal without any suggestion of proposals on
their part, We cannot avoid considering such a conduct as a
proof that there is no real desire, in the Court of Versailles, to
put an end to the war at present.

10. With regard to any Openings, Insinuations, or Ideas
which may be thrown out by the Count de Vergennes, either
relative to the particular Peace of the Two Crowns, or in
reference to any views or notions France may entertain for
conciliating the other Belligerent Powers, our Will and
Pleasure is, that you do receive all such matters ad referendum,
promising to transmit the same faithfully to your Court, and
taking care to hold such language as may best avoid giving
room to the Court of France to take umbrage or offence at

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 199

GEORGE III TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
[oopiel]

[" Monsieur mon Frere,]

" Ayant fait choix du Sieur Grenville, pour
se rendre k votre Cour en quality de mon Ministre,
Je vous prie de donner une entiere creance a tout
ce qu'il vous dira de ma part, et sur-tout aux assur-
ances qu'il vous donnera de mon estime singuliere
pour vous, et de mon desir sincere de voir heureuse-
ment r6tablir entre nous une amitie ferme et durable.

[" Je suis, Monsieur mon frere,

" Votre bon frere,

"GEORGE R]»
[« A S. Jamks, ce 21H Man, 1782,'T

MR FOX TO MR. GRENVILLE.

"St. James's, May 21«C, 1782.

Sir,

Mr. Oswald is just arrived with your letter of
the 14th inst., which I shall immediately lay before
the King. As I do not see anything in the contents
of it, or in the account Mr. Oswald gives of the state
of affairs at Paris, which makes the sending of the full
powers and instructions to you less necessary, I shall
immediately despatch the messenger as I had intended,
in order that there may be no loss of time in taking
the first steps in this business. The only new observa-
tion which I think myself at present authorised to
make, is that it may not be improper for you to

* It is the custom in letters from one Sovereign to another, that the parts
here enclosed in brackets should be written in the Sovereign's own hand.

«

Hill, Willi K8P0NDENCE OF [jEtat. S3.

mark, UN (Imlinrlly iih possible, that if Spain and
lliillitnil nrtt brought into this ncgociation.it is not by
vniir ilmirv, lint by that of the Court of Versailles ;
niiil thai you Nuimlil make this understood to the
American Ministers in particular, in order that they
\\w\ mv clearly how ditlieult it will be for us to come
to m\ ngivrmciit with them (even supposing us to be
Halved ii|Htn the terms \ if in the first place they think
it ihivuttrt to have Franco included in tbe negocia-
tam, and Franco afterwards thinks proper that every
i4tar ivwct should Iv considered as her ally, even
tWitjth »uch |v»cr &cu'.d N- :cCdCy wiioxxu any con-
HsAfeW w»S she 0.xKivr. Cdccx*. x set kind what-
o\c* \\ »i" *v,:v\> Iv <**} raccji w show the
Ww4*c*tt* V* wej '^.••.twka-cji^w; :~ x lia:. in a
ik^s^vk v* ^v*,v. :V» *Jcc"c S; messAaed by
hv*ct* * V Wv iv»« sssscc :jmt bexsc ~J£ war,
*u^ « K" **»c v*v* >,\\a<\i. v *rk3t:'v*j:^; taeir

■ * IJ«V :hr K-flv'ttT V 'X. ' fc

**s

I W* W

.V

ta«

*•

vr

**rtr itim

* X ■

•K

V-v

»rc

s*-

■c 1

ls "*iajt¥r r »

ITS*] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 201

necessary to govern your intercourse with Dr. Frank-
lin and with the other American Commissioners,
which you will continue to cultivate bv all fair and
honourable means, avoiding to give cause of jealousy
to the Court of France. It is his Majesty's pleasure
that you should furnish Mr. Grenville any lights which
mav occur to vou in the course of vour communication
with any of these gentlemen, which may be useful to
him in his transactions with the French Ministers, or
those of any of the other powers of Europe who may
be to enter into the proposed negociation ; and I must
recommend to you to omit no opportunity of letting
it be understood, that there subsists the strictest union
in his Majesty's Council upon the great subject of
peace and war.

" I am sorrr to observe that the French Minister
gives tctt little reason to expect that his Court is
likely to make good their professions, which they
made through so many channels, of a desire of peace
upon terms becoming this country to accept, upon the
strength of which Dr. Franklin invited the present
negotiation. I have that entire confidence in Dr.
Frankim"* integrity and strict honour that, if the
Court <£ France have other views, and that tfcev have
been throwing out false lures to support the appear-
ance of moderation throughout Europr . and in the
hope of misleading and the chance of dividing us, I
am satined that be must have been himself deceived :
and in such a case I trust that, if this shall be proved
in the course of the present negociatksn, i* » iL <**u-
sider himself and his constituents freed iron, ti* \*x

206 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mixi. 88.

prudence, and judgment of that gentleman confirmed
by your concurrence. For I am glad to assure you
that we likewise concur in hoping that those qualities
may enable him to contribute to the speedy conclusion
of a peace, and such a peace as may be firm and long-
lasting. With that view he has the King's orders to
return immediately to Paris ; and you will find him,
I trust, properly instructed to co-operate to the
accomplishment of so desirable an object.

" I am, &c,

" SHELBURNE.
"Benjamin Franklin, Esq."

MR. FOX TO MR GRENVILLE.

St. James's, May 26th, 1782.

u

« Sir,

" I had the honour of laying your letter of
the 14th inst., before the King. His Majesty was
pleased to refer it to the consideration of his con-
fidential servants, and in consequence of their advice
has commanded me to signify to you his pleasure that
you should lose no time in taking all the advantage
possible of the concession which his Majesty has from
his ardent desire of peace been induced to make, with
respect to the independency of the Thirteen States;
and in order to this end, I have it in command from
his Majesty to authorise you to make the offer of
the said independency in the first instance, instead of
making it a conditional article of a general treaty. I
need not point out to you the use that may be made
of this method of commencing the business, as you

1781.] CHIMES JAMES POX. &?

seem to have a tot just idea of the advantages thai
may be derived from it- The principal one appears
to me to be this, that the American agents must
dearly perceive, if there should now be any obstacle
to the recognition which they have so much at heart,
and which after all must be a matter infinitely inter-
esting to them, that the difficulty comes from the
Court of Versailles, and not from hence ; and that it is
chiefly owing to the number of allies with which that
Court thinks fit to encumber America in the negotia-
tion for a peace, although she was never benefited by
their assistance during the war. When this point shall
have been reasoned and understood, I cannot help
flattering myself that it will appear upon the face of
the thing unreasonable and intolerable to any honest
American, that they, having gained the point for
which they contested, should voluntarily and un-
necessarily submit to all the calamities of war, without
an object, 'till all the Powers in Europe shall have
settled all the various claims and differences which
they may have one with the other, and in which it is
not even pretended that America has any interest
whatever, either near or remote. You will not fail to
press Mr. Franklin's own idea, that the object of the
Treaty of Alliance with France being obtained, the
Treaty determines, to which if that gentleman should
adhere, we may fairly consider one of the ends of your
mission as attained. As to the good faith which is
supposed to be pledged by Congress to France not to
make a separate peace, I think it can only be under-
stood that Congress is bound not to enter into any

1782.] CHABLES JAMES FOX. 211

that I received Mons. de Vergennes' answer. He
told me that H. M. C. M. had found the fuU power
sent to me very insufficient, as it did not enable me
to treat with the Ministers of the other belligerent
powers, without whose concurrence he had already
declared he could enter into no treaty. Mons. de
Vergennes then explained that H. M. C. M. did not
require that all the m parties should be included in one
full power, but that at least I should have sufficient
separate authorities to treat with them ; he mentioned
Spain and America as •allies, and, speaking of Holland,
I desired him to explain himself accurately, whether
or no he considered Holland as an ally; he said,
certainly not, but they were en communaute de guerre,
and that his master was too noble in his sentiments
to think of treating without giving Holland an oppor-
tunity of making peace at the same time if she chose.
I reminded him, upon this, that the objection therefore
now made was not matter of obligation on the part of
France, but of choice. The business then rests upon
this difficulty, and waits your answer to it.

" I have not, I own, at these conversations, dwelt
much upon the late glorious victory — an event so
decisive best speaks its own importance, and the pro-
positions I was charged with, unaltered by that
success, perhaps in being so, most strongly speak
the temper and moderation of his Majesty's councils.
Indeed, added to this, it has been and still is so
sorely felt here, that it would not be very easy to
allude to it with sufficient delicacy. I wish I could

say that the sensation it creates seemed likely to assist

p 2

212 CORRESPONDENCE OF

•L * flip reverse ^ *°
the business of pacification, but tne than

much the truth that public opinion ^^ a ^

ever favourable to It ^ 1 ^* 1 ^^ King' 8 *

deal owing to some public exp E . ^ ± earnest-
which are adopted and repeated^fc ** consterne;
ness : — ' II faut etre fache mais noi^fcJjLjjjge a leur
J'ai perdu cinq vaisseaux, je ferai faireql^^ji plus
place, et on ne me trouvera pas pour
traitable a la paix.' It does not seem impro!
that this loss may prove fatal to Mons. de Castries
situation, whose influence is npw supposed so weak
that Mons. de Chatelet is much talked of to succeed
him.

" I am to inform you, Sir, with respect to the
proposed re-establishment of the passage from Dover
to Calais, that this Court is ready to accede to it, pro-
vided that there shall be permitted as many French
packet-boats as English. Mons. de Castries has like-
wise written to St. Malo's upon the subject of Mr.
Parker, and I will not fail to communicate his answer
as soon as I shall receive it.

" Mr. Franklin's conversation continues to express
a strong desire for peace, a constant attention to the
idea of establishing a solid union between Englan^
and America, but I must add does not lose sight of\
that part of America's treaty with France, which
restrains either party from making peace or truce
without the consent of the other ; he appears to be
intent upon keeping the treaties of peace distinct
between the several parties, though going on at the
same time, and to this idea which seems to correspond

1782] CHARLES JAMKS FOX. 213

in part with your intentions, I give every encourage-
ment I can. I have reason to think that when I see
him next in two or three days, he may be something
more explicit; but there has been already so much
delay in sending this courier, notwithstanding my
pressing for a speedy answer, that I will no longer
retard him, but reserve for a future occasion what I
may learn more from Mr. Franklin. Permit me, Sir,
to remind you, that I shall not perhaps be allowed to
send you another courier till I shall have received
our answer from London ; and I should add that it
clear, from Mons. de Vergennes' conversation, that
French Court are determined not to consider the
independence of America as in any respect ceded to
&em, and that such will be the principal part of
teir first answer to your propositions, should the
devious difficulty about the full power be got over
IT any alteration made in it.

*' I have only farther to express how highly sensible
s«m of the honour done me by His Majesty's appro-
bation of my conduct.
' "I have the honour to be,

? " Sir,

" Your very obedient, humble servant,

" THOMAS GBEN VILLE."

t

MR. GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

"Paris, /ww4rA, 1782.
" SlE,

" Mr. Oswald arrived here on the 31st, the

2U CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. 33.

day after Ogg was gone, and I received from him the
honour of your letter of the 26th.

" You will have seen, by my last of the 30th, that
Mons. de Vergennes* objections to the full power are
such as while they subsist preclude any further dis-
cussion of business. I have, therefore, with regard to
him, nothing new to inform you of. It cannot, how-
ever, Sir, have escaped your notice, that the offer of
independence in the first instance, instead of making
it a conditional article of general treaty, necessarily
changes part of the propositions I had in charge to
make to Mons. de Vergennes. I take it for granted,
therefore, that in any future conversation with the
French Minister, it was your intention that I should
omit the mention of independence, and confine myself
simply to the peace of 1763, as the basis of a treaty ;
but, as I should be very sorry to misinterpret this or
any part of your instructions, I flatter myself that you
will have the goodness to direct me upon this subject ;
the doubt which has arisen from Mons. de Vergennes
and Mr. Franklin about the full power, gives suffi-
cient time for this explanation without any additional
delay. It is, I see, in the sense I mention that Mr.
Franklin wishes it, for when I spoke to him of the
offer your last letter would authorise me to make, he
expressed very great satisfaction at its being kept out
of the treaty with France, adding that the more good
England did to America, the more America would
assist this business. To repeat, therefore, the same
offer as a proposition to France would defeat its
purpose with America. I hope soon to receive your

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 215

orders upon this as upon the subject of my last letter,
in which I ought to have added that Mr. Franklin
seemed not a little jealous of there being no powers
yet sent to treat with America.

" I have the honour to be,
" Sir, with great truth,

" Your most obedient and most
" humble servant,

" THOMAS GRENVILLE."

MR. OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

" Paris, June 9th, 1782.

" My Lord,

" I had the honour of your Lordship's letter by
Major Ross, which I carried immediately to Dr.
Franklin ; upon the perusal of it, he expressed some
concern that he had received no such powers as would
authorise him to discharge Lord Cornwallis of his
parole, and said that the only commission he had of
that kind related to General Burgoyne. However,
# upon my telling him that Mr. Laurens, while in the
Tower, had undertaken (on condition of his being set
at liberty) to procure Lord Cornwallis's discharge, and
that I delivered the said obligation to his Majesty's
Ministers of State, the Doctor said, that upon my
writing him a letter to that purpose, he would venture
to do the business without orders. I accordingly sent
him the letter, and Major Ross will be in possession
of the discharge, I suppose, to-morrow. I am very
well pleased that it is done, and I imagine the Doctor

216 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 33.

is equally so, that he has this opportunity of show-
ing respect to your Lordship's recommendation.

" I have nothing of business to trouble your Lord-
ship with, only that upon one occasion, since my last
arrival, the Doctor said, they, the Americans, had
been totally left out in Mr. Grenville's powers, as they
extended only to treating with the Minister of France.
I told him that the deficiency would no doubt be
supplied in due time, as might be supposed, since, in
the meanwhile, they had been assured by Mr. Gren-
ville that his Majesty had agreed to grant inde-
pendence in the first instance. The Doctor said it
was true, and he was glad of it, and supposed that
was all that could be done until the Act depending in
Parliament was passed.

" He then talked of treaties, and said he thought
the best way to come at a general peace was to treat
separately with each party, and under distinct com-
missions, to one and the same, or different persons.
By this method, he said, many difficulties which must
arise in discussing a variety of subjects not strictly
relative to each other, under the same commission,
and to which all the several parties are called, would
be in a great measure avoided ; and then, at least,
there will only remain to consolidate these several
settlements into one general and conclusive treaty of
pacification, which, upon inquiry, I found he under-
stood to be the indispensable mode of final
accommodation.

" However material that part of the question
might be (regarding the possibility of an equitable

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 217

coalescence of so many different propositions and
settlements), there was no explanation offered as to the
extent of their relative dependence upon each other,
and I did not think proper, to ask for it. He only
explained as to the commissions, that there might be
one to treat with France, one for the colonies, one for
Spain, and, he added, one for Holland, if it should be
thought proper. Mr. Grenville being very well with
the Doctor, he has no doubt mentioned the same
things to him, yet I thought it my duty to communi-
cate to him the substance of this conversation.

" The only other thing I shall trouble your Lordship
with, relates to the answer, said to be brought over
by Mr. Forth from this Court, to the late Administra-
tion. I asked Dr. Franklin about it, and having
mentioned some of the particulars as reported to my
friend Mr. Udney, the Doctor said the representation
was a mistake from the beginning to the end ; that
he had seen a copy of the answer which the Minister
gave to Mr. Forth, which was this : — ' That his most
Christian Majesty was happy to find the King of
Great Britain so well disposed to peace, which was
equally his desire, and that in the progress of the
business he would convince his Britannic Majesty of
his intentions faithfully to perform what he should
undertake for, by the punctuality which he would
show in the discharge of his engagements to his
present allies.' The Doctor said, there was not
one word more of significancy in the whole paper,
and that the Count de Vergennes to prevent mistakes
took the precaution to make Mr. Forth quote the

d

218 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Jtat. 33.

*

identity of the copy, with his own hand, upon the

margin.

" It is said the Marquis de la Fayette is going out

directly to America. Major Ross, by whom this

goes, has been frequently with him, and some other

French officers of his acquaintance ; and may possibly

be able to give your Lordship some useful information

from what he has learned among them in the short

time he has been here. I am much mistaken if your

Lordship will not find him an intelligent officer in

relation to American affairs, as I believe him in

other respects a gentleman of good sense and great

worth.

" I have the honour to be,

" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient

" humble servant,

" RICHARD OSWALD."

MR. FOX TO MR GRENVILLE.

" St. James's, June 10th, 1782.

" Sir,

" I have received your two despatches by Ogg
and Lauzun the messengers, and laid them before the
King. As it is his Majesty's intention that nothing
shall be wanting on his part that may be supposed
to facilitate the great work of peace, he has been
graciously pleased to order further full powers to be
made out, by which you will be authorised to treat
and conclude not only with H. M. C. M., but with
any other of the enemies of Great Britain, and these

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 219

full powers I have the honour of sending herewith
inclosed. With respect to the contents of your last
despatch, you certainly conceive it rightly, that you
are no longer to mention the independence of America
as a cession to France, or as a conditional article of a
general treaty ; but, at the same time, you will not fail
to observe to the French Ministry that the inde-
pendence of America is proposed to be acknowledged,
and to remark that this being done spontaneously,
which they have at different times, and particularly in
their last answer to the Imperial Courts, emphatically
called the object of the war, little difficulty ought
to remain with regard to other points which may be
considered rather as collateral and incidental than as
principal in this present dispute. The war was begun
on their part, as they profess, not for the sake of
conquest, but for the purpose of protecting their trade
with America. All restraint upon that trade being
now out of the question, and perfect liberty of com-
merce with North America being proposed as the
basis of a treaty, the cause of the war is gone, and
the war ought to cease. I am sensible how little
argument and reasoning are likely to avail in this
sort of business, and my object in pointing out to you
those topics which appear to me most plausible
and most unanswerable in our favour, is not so much
with a view to any effect they may have on the success
of the negociation, as for the purpose of being able to.
show clearly to all the world, and to America in
particular, what are the real designs and motives of
the Court of Versailles, and to whom the blame of the

J

220 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. S3.

continuation of the war, (if it must continue,) ought
to be imputed. I should have sent you the full power
earlier, if I had not judged it advisable to wait for
those private letters by General Murray, to which you
seemed to refer, and which I did not receive till
yesterday. It is his Majesty's pleasure that the
passage between Dover and Calais should be re-esta-
blished. You will, therefore, settle this business as
speedily as possible, upon the footing proposed, of an
equal number of packet-boats of each country.

" I am, Sir/' &c.

MR. GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

" Paris, June 21*, 1782.

" Sir,

" Having received on the 14 th the honour of
your letter of the 10th, I took a copy of the full
power which accompanied it, and gave it to Mons. de
Vergennes on the next day, the 15th; as he did not
object to it, though he seemed to think it might have
been more satisfactory to have named the parties, I
lost no time in telling him that I was commissioned
formally to propose to him the Peace of Paris, as the
basis of a treaty, adding, more than once, the very
reasonable expectation the Court of London now
entertained that, should the proposition already made
by them not be accepted at Versailles, some others
would be stated in return by the French Minister, and
further I observed to him, according to your direc-

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 221

tions, that it is proposed spontaneously to acknow-
ledge the independence of the American States.

" It was not till this morning that I received Mons.
de Vergennes* answer, which I send you inclosed,
having copied it at Versailles ; the object of it appears
to me to be the keeping in view the former general
expressions of a pacific disposition, though perhaps
the articles it includes seem to threaten that extensive
and wide scope in their demands which I have always
thought I have traced in every conversation about the
Peace of Paris. A strong expression of Mons. de
Vergennes upon this subject lately was, that in any
new treaty which should refer to that of 1763,
instead of saying that the Treaty of Paris should
stand good, except in certain specified articles, he
would rather express it that the Treaty of Paris should
be annulled except in certain specified articles — no
very promising qualifications of what now stands as
the proposed basis of the intended negociation ; but
you will see, Sir, in the paper which I enclose, that
the French Minister does not at present enter into
any detail, so that I cannot add more for your infor-
mation than you will have in reading his answer. I
must, however, observe to you that the Spanish am-
bassador is by no means satisfied with the full power.
He told me that the King his master, though an ally
of France, had made war on his own account ; and
that his Court would, without doubt, object to the
French King's being named in the full power, with-
out any particular mention being equally made of the
King of Spain. He said he mentioned this now, as

222 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 83.

much time might be lost, if that difficulty was not
now removed, which might be done in three modes,
either by the giving a general power without naming
any one of the parties, a power naming both of them,
that is the Kings of France and Spain, or a power
separate and distinct for each. Should it, therefore,
be his Majesty's pleasure to proceed further in this
business, and to remove this objection, you will excuse
me for observing that if either the second or third of
the expedients proposed should be adopted, a similar
requisition will probably be made by Holland and
America. I have already felt myself under some
embarrassment respecting Mr. Franklin, not seeing
precisely how far the expressions "Princes and States"
in the full power, can apply to America till the inde-
pendence is acknowledged, and knowing that he finds
and expresses much doubt about it himself, and some
disposition to ask a more explicit description. Indeed
I have purposely avoided seeing him, till I had got
Mons. de Vergennes* answer, which it seemed im-
portant to your views to transmit immediately, lest
Mr. Franklin might have made a formal objection to
me about the full power, and perhaps have stood in
the way of the answer from Versailles till his objec-
tion shall have been removed. I have not lately had
so much communication with Mr. Franklin, or been
able to draw from him any satisfactory information.
The last time I saw him he contented himself with
observing, that the sooner the independence was
declared, the less would the business be retarded. The
Government of this country is still wavering, and [there

t

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 22S

are] daily reports and expectations of some change, but
they talk confidently of the intended addition to their
navy, and say they have already received the promise
of nineteen millions of livres in voluntary contribu-
tions, four of which will come from the clergy. They
have likewise some hopes in the East Indies, that
their reinforcement, which was to be at Ceylon the
first of February, will have got there before the
Bombay ships joined Sir E. Hughes.

" I have the honour to enclose to you the answer
respecting Mr. Parker, and I have agreed with Mons.
de Castries, according to his Majesty's orders, that
six or eight English packet-boats and as many French
shall respectively sail from Dover and Calais, each
having on board both an English and French pass-
port, so that as soon as I receive the English passports,
Sir, from you, I shall have the same number of French
passports to transmit to your office.
" I have the honour to be,

" With great truth and sincerity,

"Sir,
" Your most obedient, humble servant,

" THOMAS GRENVILLE."

LORD SHELBURNE TO RICHARD OSWALD, ESQ.

" Whitehall, June 80M, 1782.

" Sir,

" I received on the 17th inst. your letter
of the 9th, and am very glad to acknowledge your
care and assiduity respecting the discharge of Lord
Cornwallis from his parole.

A

224 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 33.

" I must own that I have been disappointed in not
receiving any letter from you by two messengers who
brought despatches from Mr. Grenville, especially as
at this moment it is very essential to have early and
regular intelligence. I take it, however, for granted,
that you had nothing of business to communicate,
which would indeed be naturally suspended, till the
passing of the Act in question enabled me to send the
necessary powers. This was completed the end of
last week, and I lost no time in taking the King's
commands for directing a commission to be made out
conformable to the powers given to his Majesty.

" I hope to receive early assurance from you that
my confidence in the sincerity and good faith of Mr.
Franklin has not been misplaced, and that he will
concur with you in endeavouring to render effectual
the great work in which our hearts and wishes are so
equally interested. You will observe that we have
adopted his idea of the best method to come at a
general pacification by treating separately with each
party. I cannot but entertain a firm reliance that
the appointment of the particular Commissioners will
be no less satisfactory to him. He has very lately
warranted me to depend upon that effect in the
instance of your nomination, and he will not be
surprised at the choice of your colleague, Mr. Jack-
son, when he considers how very conversant Mr.
Jackson is with the subject of America, and how very
sincere a friend he has uniformly shown himself to
the re-establishment of peace and harmony between
that country and this.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 225

" It cannot have escaped Mr. Franklin's memory,
that when I was formerly engaged in the same
employment which I have now the honour to hold,
and was accustomed, with so much satisfaction and
advantage to myself, to converse freely with him upon
all American subjects, I was, at the same time, in
habits of similar intimacy with Mr. Jackson, whose
particular acquaintance with these subjects recom-
mended him to the office of Counsel to the Board of
Trade. I persuade myself that you will find him an
agreeable associate to yourself; and as far as can
depend upon the choice of men, that I shall find your
joint labours useful to the public. It will be alto-
gether unnecessary for me to give you any additional
instructions to those accompanying the Commission
with Mr. Jackson, especially as he will communicate
to you the substance of a full and confidential conver-
sation I have had with him on the subject. In regard
to Mr. Digges, you may assure Dr. Franklin, that he
need be under no uneasiness about his connection
with, or attendance upon Sir Guy Carleton. The
fact is, he is now in London, and the amount of
my knowledge of him is merely this. He had been,
it seems, employed by the late Administration in an
indirect commission to sound Mr. Adams at the
Hague, which scheme appears to have had no con-
sequence resulting from it. The man was afterwards
recommended to me ; but having heard by accident a
very indifferent account of his character, and particu-
larly that Mr. Franklin had a bad opinion of him, I
from that moment resolved to have nothing to do

YOL. XT. Q

226 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 33.

with him. You will add my compliments to Mr.
Franklin ; and assure him, that as in this case I really
had regard to his opinion, I shall not be less influ-
enced by it in any other instance which may occur ;
and I beg him to believe, that I have no idea or
design in acting towards him and his associates, but
in the most liberal and honourable manner.

" I am, &c,

"SHELBURNE."

LORD SHELBURNE TO MR. THOS. GRENVILLE.

"Whitehall, Jvly 6th, 1782.

" Sir,

" His Majesty having thought proper to entrust
me with the seals of the Foreign Department, upon
the resignation of Mr. Secretary Fox, I take the
earliest opportunity of notifying it to you. I am at
the same time to signify to you the King's commands,
that you should without delay acquaint the French
Minister and Dr. Franklin, that neither the death of
Lord Rockingham, nor the resignation of Mr. Fox, will
make any change in the measures of his Majesty's
Government, particularly in his ardent desire of peace
upon terms which may consist with the dignity of his
crown, and the welfare of his people ; nor are they
likely to be followed by any further changes in the
persons of his Ministers. You will make the same
communication to the Minister of any other power
with whom you may have had intercourse in conse-
quence of your instructions.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 227

"You will be acquainted of the arrangements
which may be to take place in consequence of what
has passed, the moment they are finally determined,
which will be in the course of a very few days. His
Majesty being graciously pleased to command my
services at the Board of Treasury, will probably
deprive me of any other official occasion of assuring
you of every personal regard and confidence. In the
mean time, his Majesty desires that you will acquaint
me of the state of your negociation, together with
every light which may enable his Ministers to form a
judgement of its possible success.

" I am, &q.,

" SHELBURNR."

MR. OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

" Pabis, Jtdy Sth, 1782.

" My Lord,

" I beg leave to trouble your Lordship with the
inclosed letter from Dr. Franklin to me, which he
sent me on the day it is dated. He had mentioned
his intention, some days before, of writing me such a
letter, and that I might send it home, if I thought fit.
Notwithstanding that option, I think it proper to
forward it ; since I cannot see for what other pur-
pose it should be sent to me, and I hope its coming
through my hands will be understood as rather
intended to convey the Doctor's sentiments and wishes
on this occasion of public concern, than with a view

Q2

S2j CORRESPONDENCE OP [.Etat. 3S.

of my availing myself of the compliments he is pleased
to bestow upon me.

" I have the honour to be,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient
" humble servant,

"RICHARD OSWALD."

MR. OSWALD TO LORD SHKLBCHXK

- PikB. Mtmimf, J*l, Ml, 1TM.

'■ Mt Lord,

" I beg leave under this cover to transmit to
your Lordship a letter directed to myself from Dr.
Franklin, which he sent me ten days ago. on the day
it is dated ; and I will also take notice of what passed
between him and me in consequence of it.

" Two days before that letter was sent to me, the
Doctor called upon me. and said that, agreeable to the
memorandum I showed him. he had wrote me a letter
which I might send your Lordship, if I thought fit
Upon the perusal of it. I observed, he said, dial I
might be appointed singly for tbe Colonies, or jointly
with Mr. Grenville. or iuciuded in Mr. Grenville's
general commission, to treat with all parries concerned
IB the war. To this last part I objected, for various
: . .-.-,, ^- - » be here taken notice of. IV
a»ju»csr*v: respecting forage diij>tis. and said
the letter; and »«v«rdiitcrc. on the
H he sent me tb* iw incijeed.
pt * m my baaos snui now. 10 go by

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 229

the return of the first courier that arrives, which Mr.
Grenville has been expecting daily. But as none had
appeared, and thinking that the Doctor could have no
meaning in putting such a letter into my hands, but
with a view of its being forwarded to your Lordship,
and perhaps might be disappointed or disobliged if
delayed, I thought it right to let him know that it
was not sent, and the reason of its still remaining in
my hands. On that account, and wishing to have an
opportunity of talking to him on the subject of it, I
went out to his house on Saturday the 6th, and stayed
with him about an hour.

" After thanking him for his good opinion of me
as expressed in that letter, and giving the reason for
its not being forwarded, I told him that this interval of
delay had given occasion to sundry questions in my
own mind, as to the business we should have to treat
about, in case I should be appointed, and should
undertake the office he was pleased to recommend in
that letter. With France and the other parties I was
sensible there must be many points to be settled.
But with respect to the Colonies, I told him I could
not easily conceive how there could arise any variety
of subjects to treat on. That as to a final conclusion,
the Treaty with France might make it necessary to
wait the event of a determination as to them, so as
both might be included in one settlement ; but until
then, I could not see there would be much field for
negociation between Great Britain and the Com-
missioners for the Colonies, after their Independence
had been granted ; and which being in a manner

230 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. S3.

acknowledged, I had been in hopes there remained
no questions of either side that would require much
discussion ; if he thought it would be otherwise, I told
him I would be much obliged to him to give me a
hint of them, as the question could not but be material
to me, in considering whether I might venture upon
such a charge ; that this I would request of him as a
friend, and I hoped I might also expect of him as a
friend to England, which I must still suppose him to
be, and in which I was not singular, believing it was
the universal opinion at home, and particularly with
regard to your Lordship, who, I had reason to be
assured, had the greatest confidence in his good inten-
tions towards our country. That I did not just then
desire or expect an answer ; but if he would name any
other day, I should wait on him, in hopes of having
his opinion and advice upon the particular subject of
this Colony Treaty, and his sentiments in general upon
the whole of these affairs, which I was certain would
be of service in guiding us how to proceed in the
safest and quickest course, to a final conclusion of this
unhappy business. That I had too just a notion of
his character to expect any information, but such as
would not be inconsistent with particular engage-
ments ; but where that did not interfere, his granting
the favour I asked, might be doing a good office to all
parties concerned ; for I could not help thinking that
the Commissioners of the Colonies had it much in
their power to give despatch to the General Treaty,
and to end it on just and reasonable terms, even
notwithstanding their particular Treaty with France.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 231

Upon this the Doctor said they had no Treaty
with France, but what was published. I said I was
glad it was so, since I saw nothing there, however
guarded, against a separate peace, that should direct
or control the conditions of a Treaty between them
and Great Britain, excepting the provision for the
great article of independence, which was now out of
the question ; that I was happy to be told by Mr.
Laurens, soon after he was discharged from the
Tower, that when they should obtain their Indepen-
dence, their Treaty with France was at an end. I did
not on this occasion think it proper to quote what
Mr. Grenville said the Doctor himself told him, on
11th or 12th of May last, to the same purpose, and so
said nothing of it. I went on and said, that with
respect to France, whatever she might desire beyond
the separation of the Thirteen Colonies, would be more
than she had just reason to expect, being abundantly
indemnified thereby for the amount of all her expenses
in the present war ; that hereafter she had nothing to
fear from England, but England had now much to
fear from France, as would be seen in a few years
after the first peace ; since we might then be assured
that she would begin again with us whenever she
thought we were weakest, and I could have no doubt
the East Indies would be the next scene of contest ;
and upon the whole, that the terms of the approaching
settlement were of the most interesting consequence
to our future safety ; that whatever advice or hints
regarding that purpose, the Doctor would be pleased
to give me, 1 would make no indiscreet use of, but

232 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. S3.

would pledge my honour that they should be strictly
kept under such directions of communication as he
should think fit to prescribe. After allowing me to
go on in this way, he said, there were some things,
which he wished England to think of, or to agree to
(I forget which), and yet he should not like that they
were known to have been suggested by him. At last
he told me, if I would come out to his house on
Wednesday the 10th, he would show me a minute
of some things which he thought might be deserving
of notice upon the occasion. If we agreed in our
opinions, it was so far well ; if not, that I should let
him know, and he would be glad to have my opinion ;
and where we agreed, I might make use of his senti-
ments as my own, to any good purpose I might think
proper.

" I shall go out accordingly on Wednesday, and
shall in a subsequent letter by the same conveyance,
make a report of what had passed, and as I may be
at liberty to do so. Meanwhile, I thought this previous
explanation not improper to be laid before your Lord-
ship ; as in case there should be any advantage in the
result, whether by advice or information, it may appear
how it has been brought about, and may be some
guide in farther proceedings in the same way. If no
good should come of it, there is no help ; the trial can
do no harm. When the Doctor mentioned his not
wishing that any particular things he should say,
should be repeated as coming from him, I said, that
was certainly right, and I supposed there would be no
occasion that it should be known to any body here,

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 233

that I had made this particular application to him, for
which I could assure him I had neither orders nor
instructions. To this I did not observe any direct
answer was given.

"Amongst other things, in the course of this
conversation I said, that people might talk as they
pleased of a speedy conclusion of the war ; but that I
could not see it in that light, as if the Treaty could be
finished in any short time, for many reasons ; amongst
other things, on account of the uncertainty of what
was doing or like to be done in North America. In
that the Doctor did not seem to differ from my
opinion ; meanwhile, he read to me some late resolu-
tions of the Assembly of Maryland in May, just come
to hand, declaring against a separate peace, or peace
of any kind with England, until their Independence is
acknowledged.

" He likewise mentioned two other pieces of news
they have just received ; Monsieur Guichen taking
and carrying into Brest fourteen ships of our Quebec
fleet, and the blowing up a great magazine and a
bastion at Gibraltar. Talking of there being no
courier from England, the Doctor said perhaps there
might be some hesitation in his Majesty's Councils,
on account of the late victory in the West Indies,
and that Mr. Grenville as yet had been able to make
no progress in his business.

" It is said Count de Grasse has wrote home, and
confessed he was wrong in fighting, as he certainly
was, until he got to leeward. But he says he saw
the French colours surrounded by the enemy, which

234 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 88.

was too much for him, and he flew to their assist-
ance.

" I have the honour to be with much respect,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient
" humble servant,

"RICHARD OSWALD.

"P.S. I forgot to mention, that I told the Doctor
that I would write to your Lordship by the first
courier, for leave to return for some time to England ;
and wished he might give me something to carry,
that would be acceptable to your Lordship. I shall
be better able to judge after I have seen him on
Wednesday. He again mentioned the affair of
Canada, and said there would be no solid peace, while
it remained an English colony."

MR FRANKLIN TO MR. OSWALD.

Passt, June 211k, 1782.

n

" Sir,

" The opinion I have of your candour, probity,
good understanding, and good will to both countries,
made me hope that you would have been vested with
the character of Plenipotentiary to treat with those
from America. When Mr. Grenville produced his
first Commission, which was only to treat with France,
I did imagine that the other to treat with us was
reserved for you, and kept back only till the Enabling
Bill should be passed. Mr. Grenville has since
received a second Commission, which, as he informs

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 235

me, has additional words, impowering him to treat
with the Ministers of any other prince or state whom
it may concern ; and he seems to understand, that
those general words comprehend the United States of
America. There may be no doubt that they compre-
hend Spain and Holland ; but as there exist various
public acts by which the Government of Great
Britain denies us to be states, and none in which
they acknowledge us to be such, it seems hardly clear
that we could be intended, at the time that Com-
mission was given, the Enabling Act not being then
passed. So that though I can have no objection to
Mr. Grenville, nor right to make it if I had any ; yet
as your long residence in America has given you a
knowledge of that country, its people, circumstances,
commerce, &c, which, added to your experience in
business, may be useful to both sides in facilitating
and expediting the negociation, I cannot but hope,
that it is still intended to vest you with the character
above mentioned, respecting the Treaty with America,
either separately, or in conjunction with Mr. Grenville,
as to the wisdom of your Ministers may seem best.
Be it as it may, I beg you would accept this line, as
a testimony of the sincere esteem and respect with
which I have the honour to be, Sir,

" Your most obedient humble servant,

"B. FRANKLIN."

236 CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. 33.

MR GRENVILLE TO LORD SHELBURNE.

u Paris, July 9th, 1782.

" My Lord,

" I received last night the honour of your Lord-
ship's letter of the 5th inst.; and in obedience to his
Majesty's commands, have acquainted the French
Minister, the Spanish Ambassador, and Mr. Franklin,
that no change will be made in the measures of his
Majesty's Government, particularly in his Majesty's
ardent desire of peace, upon terms which may be
consistent with the dignity of his crown, and the
welfare of his people.

" I have had no intercourse with the Ministers
of any other foreign powers. From the inter-
ference of the Court of Russia, in order to bring
about a particular peace with Holland, and there
having been till a very few days since, no positive
declaration of the Dutch being determined only to
treat in conjunction with France, it appeared to me
most prudent, and most agreeable to the spirit of my
instructions, to avoid, as long as it was possible, the
including Holland in this negociation ; and I have
consequently taken every opportunity to remind
Mons. de Vergennes, that it had not been our desire
to include Holland in this business. I learned how-
ever from him to-day, that the Dutch having formally
requested of the Court of Versailles to make no peace,
but in common with them, every assurance of that
nature had by the French King's orders been given
to them. Your Lordship will perhaps have learned
from the official letters I have at times sent to

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 287

Mr. Fox, that the French Minister has not gone into
any detail as yet ; the state of the negotiation is, there-
fore, exactly what it was when I had the honour of
transmitting the written answer I copied at Versailles,
on the 21st ult., which consents to a future explanation,
provided the general grounds there stated, should be
adopted in England ; of that, however, I took the
liberty of expressing some doubt by my last of the
21st, as I observed in them that very wide extent,
which, from my first coming here to this moment,
I have uniformly considered as a most unpromising
feature .in the proposed pacification. It is not easy to
weigh the precise sense of general terms ; but a new
treaty of commerce is always foremost in the conversa-
tion of the French, Spanish, and American Ministers.
Mons. d'Aranda dwells incessantly upon our giving
up Gibraltar, notwithstanding the little disposition he
finds in me to that discussion, and only varies what
he says upon it by stating, that if we give it by
Treaty, we shall get something for it ; whereas if it
should be taken, the Court of Madrid can never hear
of its being reclaimed by us. Mr. Franklin, the other
day for the first time, gave me to understand that
America must be to have her share in the Newfound-
land fishery, and that the limits of Canada would
likewise be a subject for arrangement; he seems
much disinclined to an idea he expects to be stated,
of going into an examination for the mutual compen-
sation of the losses of individuals, insisting, perhaps
with reason, upon the endless detail that would be
produced by it ; nor does he cease to give the most

288 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 38.

decided discouragement to any possible plan of
arrangement with America, short of complete and
distinct Independence in its fullest sense; when I
last saw him, he read to me upon this subject the
resolutions . of the 16th of May last, that passed
unanimously both houses of Assembly in Maryland,
against making any peace, but in concert with France,
and with an admission of independence ; resolutions,
he said, occasioned by Sir Guy Carleton's supposed
commission, and which spoke the determination, he
was sure, of all the Thirteen Provinces.

"Having touched, my Lord, upon those few circum-
stances that seem in any way important to this
business, I forbear to enlarge upon them, in full
trust that I shall be permitted to come (incessantly)
to London, where his Majesty's Ministers will
certainly command the little information I can have
to give them; it being my fixed purpose, firmly,
though as humbly and respectfully as it is possible,
to decline any further prosecution of this business. I
have therefore to request of your Lordship, as speedily
as may be, to lay before his Majesty in every
expression of duty and humility my earnest and
unalterable prayer, that his Majesty will be graciously
pleased to recall from me the Commission I am
honoured with at Paris. I am highly sensible to the
very flattering expressions of your Lordship's regard ;
and have the honour to be, with great truth and
respect, My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient and most
" humble servant,

" THOMAS GREN VILLE."

1782] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 239

MR OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

"Paris, Wednesday, July 10th, 1782.

" My Lord,

" In consequence of Dr. Franklin's appointment,
as mentioned in my letter of the 8th, under this
cover, I went out to his house this morning, and stayed
near two hours with him, with a view of obtaining the
information and advice I wished for, as to the terms
and conditions upon which he thought a Treaty
betweeen Great Britain and the Commissioners of
the Colonies might be carried on and proceed to a
conclusion. Having reminded him of what he in a
manner promised on this head on the 6th, he took
out a minute, and from it read a few hints or articles,
some, he said, as necessary for them to insist on,
others which he could not say he had any orders
about, or were not absolutely demanded, and yet
such as it would be advisable for England to offer %
for the sake of reconciliation and her future interest,
viz. : —

" 1st. Of the first class necessary to be granted,
Independence full and complete in every sense, to the
Thirteen States, and all troops to be withdrawn from
thence.

" 2nd. A settlement of the boundaries of their
colonies and the loyal colonies.

" 3rd. A confinement of the boundaries of Canada;
at least, to what they were before the last Act of
Parliament, I think in 1774, if not to a still more
contracted state, on an ancient footing.

240 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEta*. 38.

" 4th. A freedom of fishing on the Banks of New-
foundland and elsewhere, as well for fish as whales.

" I own I wondered he should have thought it
necessary to ask for this privilege ; he did not
mention the leave of drying fish on shore at New-
foundland, and I said nothing of it. I don't remember
any more articles which he said they would insist on,
or what he called necessary for them to be granted.

" Then as to the advisable articles, or such as he
would, as a friend, recommend to be offered by
England, viz. : —

" 1st. To indemnify many people who had been
ruined by towns burned and destroyed, the whole
might not exceed the sum of five or six hundred
thousand pounds. I was struck at this. However,
the Doctor said, though it was a large sum, it would
not be ill-bestowed, as it would conciliate the resent-
ment of a multitude of poor sufferers, who could have
•no other remedy, and who without some relief would
keep up a spirit of secret revenge and animosity, for
a long time to come, against Great Britain ; whereas
voluntary offer of such reparation would diffuse a
universal calm and conciliation over the whole country.

" 2nd. Some sort of acknowledgment, in some
public Act of Parliament, or otherwise, of our error in
distressing those countries so much as we had done.
A few words of that kind, the Doctor said, would do
more good than people could imagine.

" 3rd. Colony ships and trade to be received, and
have the same privileges in Great Britain and Ireland,
as British ships and trade. T did not ask any

1782.] CHARLES JAMES POX. 241

explanation on that head for the present. British
and Irish ships in the Colonies to be, in like manner,
on the same footing with their own ships.

" 4th. Giving up every part of Canada.

" If there were any other Articles of either kind, I
can't now recollect them ; but I don't think there
were any of material consequence, and I was perhaps
the less attentive in the enumeration, that it had been
agreed to give me the whole in writing; but after
some reflection, the Doctor said he did not much like
giving such writing out of his hands, and, hesitating
a good deal about it, asked me if I had seen Mr. Jay,
the other Commissioner, lately come from Madrid. I
said, I had not. He then told me it would be proper I
should see him, and he would fix a time for our meeting ;
and seemed to think he should want to confer with
him himself, before he gave a final answer. I told
him, if I had such final answer, and had leave, I would
carry it over to England. He said, that would be
right, but that as Mr. Grenville told him he expected
another courier in four or five days, I had better wait
so long, and he would write along with me.

" Upon the whole, the Doctor expressed himself in
a friendly way towards England, and was not without
hopes, that if we should settle on this occasion in the
way he wished, England would not only have a bene-
ficial intercourse with the Colonies, but at last it might
end in a federal union between them. In the mean
time we ought to take care, not to force them into the
hands of other people. He showed me a copy of the
Enabling Bill as it is called ; and said, he observed

VOL. IV. B

242 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 33.

the word * revolted ' was left out, and likewise added,
that the purpose of it was to dispense with Acts of
Parliament which they were indifferent about, and
that now they were better prepared for war, and more
able to carry it on, than ever they were ; that he had
heard, we entertained some expectation of retaining
some sort of sovereignty over them, as his Majesty
had of Ireland, and that if we thought so, we should
find ourselves much disappointed, for they. would
yield to nothing of that sort.

" He then showed me a state of their account with
this Government, and his contract with them for the
several loans the Congress had had of them, — begin-
ning in 1778, and running on at the rate of two, three,
and four millions per annum, amounting in the whole
to eighteen millions of livres (or £750,000 sterling,
at 10fi?. per livre), payable with interest at five per
cent, from the time of the advance. But, by a subse-
quent and late concession of the King, the whole pre-
ceding interest is given up, and to continue so until
the first day of the Peace; and then the interest
again to commence. He said, that would be a trifle
upon the whole, as their taxes would now come in fast;
that they had borrowed a sum, in Holland, at four
per cent., for which the King of France was guarantee.
I forgot the sura, but I think it was three millions of
guilders, about £275,000.

" The Doctor is Judge Admiral here for all prizes
brought into Prance by American vessels, and
determines their causes as such. He received a
packet of these papers while I was sitting with him.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 243

" From this conversation, I have some hopes, my
Lord, that it is possible to put an end to the American
quarrel in a short time, and when that is done, I
have a notion, that a treaty with the other Powers
will go more smoothly on. The Doctor did not, in
the course of the above conversation, hesitate as to a
conclusion with them, on account of any connection
with those other States ; and in general seemed to
think their American affair must be ended by a
separate commission.

" On these occasions I said, I supposed in case of
such commission he meant that the power of granting
Independence would be therein expressly mentioned.
He said, No doubt: I hinted this, thinking it better
in the power of treating to include Independence,
than to grant Independence separately, and then to
treat about other matters, with the Commissioners of
such Independent States, who by such grant are on the
same footing with the Ministers of the other Powers.
By anything the Doctor said, I did not perceive he
made any account of this distinction ; and I did not
think it proper to say anything more about it. I
forgot one thing the Doctor said with respect to some
provision or reparation to those called the Loyal
Sufferers : — It would be impossible to make any such
provision ; they were so numerous and their cases so
various, that he could not see that it could make any
part of the treaty. There might be particular cases
that deserved compassion; these being left to the
several States, they might perhaps do something for
them, but they, as Commissioners, could do nothing.

R 2

244 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 33.

" He then read to me the Order in Carolina for
confiscating and selling of estates, under the direction
of the military, by which so great a number of families
had been ruined, and which the people there felt so
much, as would stifle their compassion for the sufferers
on the other side. I remember, the Doctor, in a
former proposal in April, hinted that a cession of the
back lands of Canada would raise a sum which would
make some reparation to the sufferers on both sides.
Now, he says, one of the necessary articles is a cession
of these back lands, without any stipulation for the
Loyal Sufferers ; and as an advisable Article, a gift of
five or six hundred thousand pounds, to indemnify the
sufferers on their side. I should hope he would be
persuaded to alter that part of the plan.
" I have the honour to be,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient
" humble servant,

"RICHARD OSWALD."

MR. OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.
_ _ T " P^RiB, July llth, 1782.

" My Lord,

" Referring to my letter of yesterday's date, here
inclosed, relative to my conversation with Dr. Franklin,
on the subject of a treaty to the Colonies, I am now
to own receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 5th,
by the Courier Hog, which came to hand on the 8th.
I don't know how far such a load of business will

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 245

be supportable to your Lordship, but I think I
may safely congratulate your country, on your taking
up this last charge, and sincerely wish your Lord-
ship much satisfaction and success in the discharge
of it.

" When I went out yesterday to Dr. Franklin, I
read to hira such parts of the above letter as you
desired to be communicated to him.

" I thank your Lordship for the caution with
respect to Gibraltar, or any affairs under Mr. Gren-
ville's direction. As to the first, it was proposed by
the Doctor in such a way as I understood it to be an
express commission from the French Minister, and,
having an opportunity of Major Ross, I put it down
in my letter, as it seemed to show that this Court
would be glad to be excused taking a part in the
attempts of recovering the place in any other way.
In answer, it is true, I said territorial possession was
the only proper equivalent, if England chose to part
with it, and I happened to mention Porto Rico as
what in such case would be agreeable to many
people. That passed in the way of conversation,
although the proposal, I supposed, was designedly
prompted as above mentioned. I never heard any-
thing more on the subject. As to Mr. Grenville's
business, it would have been quite wrong in me to
meddle in it in any shape, and so cautious was I, that
I scarce asked him any question as to the progress of
his affairs ; thinking it sufficient, if by an intercourse
with Dr. Franklin I could help to bring on a settle-
ment with the Colonies, upon which, I always believed,

246 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JStat. 83

a conclusion with the other parties would in a great
measure depend, both as to despatch and con-
ditions.

" Even in this business I had scarce taken any
steps, since my last coming over in the end of
May. It was impossible to do so, as Mr. Franklin
seemed to attend to the expectation and issue of
Mr. Grenville's Powers and Instructions, which, he
said, were imperfect at first, and not completed at
last to his satisfaction with respect to them, so that
the Doctor did not incline to talk of business to me,
and I had nothing to write, even if I had known at
times, when Mr. Grenville's couriers were despatched.
The situation was not agreeable, but I could not help
it, and I believe the Doctor was not pleased, although
he said little to me on the subject. However, at last,
being I suppose desirous that something should be
done in their affairs, he very unexpectedly put his
letter into my hands, of the 27th of June, which goes
under cover with this. When I received it, I thought
it my duty to take the steps mentioned in my letter
of the 8th in consequence of it. If after seeing
Mr. Jay, I can procure from those gentlemen, some
sketch in writing of what they demand, I will talk
to them on the subject, and try to bring it into
some form of a settled Agreement, or rather Proposi-
tions, to be submitted to discussion at home, as
necessary in the like cases. Upon that foundation a
Commission may be gj^nted to carry on the treaty to
a conclusion ; for I plainly see the Doctor inclines
that their business should be done under a separate

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 247

Commission. As to any information I can give, in
relation to these affairs, which your Lordship recom-
mends to me, I beg leave to say, that although I had
better opportunities of conversation than I have, there
is very little to be got here. I will, however, not
scruple to give my opinion as things occur to me,
viz.: — That the more anxious we appear to be for
Peace, the more backward the people here will be,
or the harder in their terms, which is much the same
thing ; and that having fully satisfied this Court of
our desire to put an end to the war, as has been done,
the more vigorously our exertions are pushed in the
interim, we shall come sooner to our purpose, and on
better terms. With respect to the Commissioners for
the Colonies, our conduct towards them, I think, ought
to be of a style somewhat different ; they have shown a
desire to treat, and to end with us on a separate
footing from the other Powers, and I must say, in a
more liberal way, or at least with a greater appearance
of feeling for the future interests and connections of
Great Britain, than I expected. I speak so from the
text of the last conversation I had with Mr. Franklin,
as mentioned in my letter of yesterday. And therefore
we ought to deal with them tenderly, and as supposed
conciliated friends, or at least well disposed to con-
ciliation ; and not as if we had anything to give them,
that we can keep from them, or that they are very
anxious to have. Even Dr. Franklin himself, as the
subject happened to lead that way, as good as told
me, yesterday, that they were their own Masters,
and seemed to make no account of the grant of Inde-

248 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JGtat. SI

pendence as a favour. I was so much satisfied before-
hand of their ideas on that head, that I will own to
your Lordship, I did not read to the Doctor that
part of your letter, wherein you mention that grant,
as if it in some shape challenged a return on their
part. When the Doctor pointed at the object of the
Enabling Bill, as singly resting upon a dispensation of
Acts of Parliament they cared not for, I thought it
enough for me to say they had been binding and
acknowledged ; to which no answer was made.
When the Doctor mentioned the report, as if there
was an expectation of retaining the sovereignty, I
ventured a little further (though with a guarded
caution) to touch him on the only tender side of their
supposed present emancipation, and said, that such
report was probably owing to the imaginations of
people, upon hearing of the rejoicings in America, on
the cessation of war, change of the Ministry, &c. &c.,
which they might conclude would have some effect
in dividing the provinces, and giving a different turn
to affairs ; as no doubt there was a great proportion
of the people, notwithstanding all that had happened,
who, from considerations of original affinity, corre-
spondence, and other circumstances, were still strongly
attached to England, &c. &c.

" To this, also, there was no answer made. At the
same time, I cannot but say, I was much pleased,
upon the whole, with what passed upon the occasion
of this interview. And I really believe the Doctor
sincerely wishes for a speedy settlement ; and that
after the loss of Dependence, we may lose no more ;

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 249

but, on the contrary, that a cordial reconciliation may
take place over all that country.

" Amongst other things, I was pleased at his show-
ing me a state of the aids they had received from
France, as it looked as if he wanted I should see
the amount of the obligations to their Ally ; and as if
it was the only foundation of the ties France had
over them, excepting gratitude, which the Doctor
owned in so many words; but at the same time
said, the debt would be punctually and easily dis-
charged, France having given to 1788 to pay it.

" The Doctor also particularly took notice of the
discharge of the interest, to the term of the Peace,
which he said was kind and generous.

" It is possible I may make a wrong estimate of the
situation of this American business, and of the chance
of a total or partial recovery being desperate. In that
case, my opinion will have no weight, and so will do
no hurt. Yet, in my present sentiments, I cannot
help offering it, as thinking that circumstances are in
that situation, that I heartily wish we were done with
these people, and as quickly as possible, since we
have much to fear from them, in case of their taking
the pet; and throwing themselves into more close
connection with this Court and our other enemies.
I make no doubt, my Lord, but you will find fault
with my troubling you with so much writing at a
time, which must come very unseasonably, in the
midst of so much other business, but we are so
imprisoned here in our correspondence, that we can-
not divide it, as in other countries.

250 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 33.

"To write everything by post would be to no
purpose, so that everything must go by a messenger
on purpose, licensed by a passport obtained by the
formality of an address to the Minister at Versailles.
" I have the honour to be,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient,
" humble servant,

" RICHARD OSWALD.

" P.S. I beg leave to repeat what was mentioned in
a former letter, that in my late conversations with Dr.
Franklin, I could not perceive that he meant that the
progress and conclusion of their treaty was to have
any connection, or would be influenced by what was
doing in the treaties with the other Powers ; but that
the Colony Commissioners were free agents and inde-
pendent of these Powers. And consequently I
suppose they consider themselves restrained by their
alliance with France, only in the point of ratification ;
which indeed infers, that until we agree with France,
we can have neither peace or truce with the Colonies.
But then if we settle terms with the Colonies, and
France is unreasonable, the Colonies may interpose ;
or France may not choose to risk the possibility of
such an arbitration. At the same time I am entirely
persuaded, that Dr. Franklin does not take the least
step in their own affairs, even in such as his late com-
munication with me, but what has been settled
between him and the Count de Vergennes : and
consequently, if from such communication it may be

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 251

presumed that the Doctor wishes for a conclusion of
their treaty, it may be supposed, that the French are
in like manner disposed with respect to theirs.

"I asked Dr. Franklin, as to the answer Mr.
Grenville had from this Court to his last memorials,
and he told me that the proposition from England
being, to take the treaty of 1763 for the basis, it
was answered, that it should be so, and that the
sundry Articles of said treaty should be gone over,
and suitable alterations should be made as a founda-
tion or conditions of the present treaty. Since
writing the above, I am told by a friend who had
some conversation with Dr. Franklin this morning,
that he (the Doctor) had received a letter from some
person in England, who is no friend to the late
changes, giving, among other things, an account as if
the new Administration were not so well disposed to
end so quickly and agreeably with the Colonies, as
those who have left it, &c.

" This, the gentleman told me, led the Doctor to
express himself very strong as to his desire of quick
despatch, as he wanted much to go home, and have
the chance of a few years' repose, having but a short
time to live in the world, and had also much private
business to do.

" I should therefore hope it may be possible soon
to bring their business near to a final close, and that
they will not be any way stiff as to those Articles he
calls advisable, or will drop them altogether. Those
he calls necessary will hardly be any obstacle. I
shall be able to make a better guess when I have

252 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. S3.

another meeting with him, jointly with Mr. Jay,
which I hope to have by the time this courier returns.
Allow me, my Lord, to observe, that if I continue
here any time, I would wish to have a messenger
attending. This Potter is a proper man/'

MR. GRENVILLE TO LORD SHELBURNE.

"Paris, July 12&, 1782.

" My Lord,

" I profit by the opportunity, which Mr. Oswald's
messenger offers, to add a very few lines to those
which I had the honour to address to your Lordship
on the 9th, and still upon the subject of that
immediate return, for which I have made such urgent
requisitions; should any difficulty occur upon the
idea of the negociation being left unfinished, by such
a measure, may I be excused for suggesting that
Mr. Oswald or Mr. Walpole, who are both upon the
spot, could much more than supply my place for any
purpose that might be wished, and for keeping this
business still ostensibly on foot by giving an answer
to the French paper I had transmitted, should such be
the intention of his Majesty ? Your Lordship will, I
flatter myself, forgive my annexing so much import-
ance, and so many words, to a subject of such
infinitely little importance, and will be persuaded, I
trust, that if I repeat the utter impossibility of my
remaining here in any circumstances, it is not from the
vanity of supposing it can be any object that I should,
but from that earnestness which makes it natural to

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 253

(press) any resolution finally and decisively taken. I
will not, however, unnecessarily intrude upon the better
employment of your Lordship's time, having nothing
to add upon the subject of the negociation, further
than the humble assurances, which, if I might so
presume, I would wish to be conveyed to his Majesty,
that I have not been wanting in zeal during my stay
here, neither as I hope in duty to his Majesty by
my respectful though invariable entreaty to return.
" I have the honour to be with the greatest respect,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient and
" most humble servant,

" THOMAS GRBNVILLE.

"P.S. I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship

a memorial I this instant received from Versailles,

with a copy of Mons. de Vergennes' to me upon the

same subject.

«• T. a •

MR OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

"Paris, /u/y 12tf» 1782.
(3 Afternoon.)

" My Lord,

" The courier has been in waiting some time for
Dr. Franklin's letters. They are just come to hand,
with one for myself, which I think proper to send to
your Lordship, with the Maryland paper that was
inclosed in it.

"I am glad to see by the Doctor's letter, as if he

254 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtat. 33.

wishes a settlement with them may not be stopped ;
-I think that may be presumed from his sending me
this letter, and the explanations therein mentioned.
On the other hand, I cannot but be concerned at
this report, which has been conveyed to him, of a
reserve intended in the grant of Independence, being
the first time I ever heard of it ; at least, Mr. Gren-
ville did not tell me that his signification on that head
was accompanied by any such reservation, and upon
the faith of that, I have in my letters to your Lord-
ship, and in conversation with Dr. Franklin, always
supposed, that the grant was meant to be absolute
and unconditional, which last, however, is a term I
never used, thinking such qualification unnecessary.
Its being given out that a difference subsisted, and
resignations happened on this account, must naturally
occasion this hesitation in the Commissioners of the
Colonies ; and so I see by the Doctor's letter to me
he puts a sort of stoppage upon the preliminaries of
settlement with them, which had been pretty well
sketched out, and defined in his conversation with
me on the 10th instant ; and until there is a further
explanation under your Lordship's authority, on the
said head of Independence, I am, in a manner
forbid in the Doctor's letter, to go back upon the
plan of that conference, and to claim any right to the
propositions thereof, which, if complete Independence
was meant to be granted, is a little unlucky ; and
there is reason to regret, that anybody should have
been so wicked, as to throw this stumbling-block in
the way, by which, not only Peace with the Colonies is

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 255

obstructed, but the general treaty is suspended,
which, I cannot help still thinking, hangs upon a
settlement with the Colonies. And so by this unlucky
interjection the peace of the country at home is dis-
turbed, and the blame thrown upon the new Adminis-
tration, and upon your Lordship by name.

" If before the return of the courier I should meet
with the Doctor again and Mr. Jay, I will conduct
myself in the best manner I can, according to circum-
stances, so as to lose no part of the ground that has
been gained, although I am sensible there is no pro-
ceeding further, and it would be improper to attempt
it, until there are fresh instructions from your Lord-
ship. If your Lordship should think them material
to be instantly communicated, the sooner they come
perhaps, the better. I am perfectly ashamed of
troubling with so much writing at one time, but this
last letter I could not possibly help, the Doctor's
letter not having come until the other packets were
sealed up.

" I have the honour to be,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient,
" humble servant,

"RICHARD OSWALD.

" P.S. 1 shan't be surprised if the next meeting
with the Doctor should turn out more unfavourably
than the former. Your Lordship will, no doubt, do
what is necessary to prevent it."

256 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 83.

MR. OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

" Paris, July 12th, 1782.

" My Lord,

" Mr. Grenville having called upon me yesterday
evening, and on my asking him as to his last answer
from the French Minister, he informed me of it as far
as he could remember, and I was sorry to find it of
a style so much above the pitch of moderation ; that
our Court, after taking the treaty of 1763 for the
basis of the new treaty, must agree to material altera-
tions respecting the four quarters of the world, and
that before they proceed further, this must be
assented to, without any further explanation as to the
particulars of such alterations. Mr. Grenville did not
say he remembered the words exactly, and I may
have quoted him wrong.

" However, there is enough to show upon what an
unlucky footing that matter stands ; and that Peace is
likely to be at a greater distance than was expected.
Some time last month with a view to this kind of
possibility, and having nothing to do, I wrote out
some minutes, as they occurred to me, of some things
that I thought might be of use, in the present case, if
the war should go on, or would concern the safety of
England on future occasions. I intended them for
your Lordship if you had continued in the other
department, but now, in the hurry of such a multitude
of affairs, I can hardly expect you will take up your
time with such things. However, I have sent the

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 257

packet over by the bearer, to Mrs. Oswald, to lie in
her hands for the present.

"They would take better than an hour in the
perusal. In case your Lordship should desire to see
them, Mrs. Oswald will send the packet, upon receiv-
ing a card or other message from your Lordship ; by
taking the papers to the country perhaps your Lord-
ship may have leisure to give them a fair perusal.
Unless that can be done, I would rather they lie
where I have ordered them. Another thing I should
not like, that they should go into any other hands
than your own, while I continue in this place, and
there are so many Spaniards here. If your Lordship
should call for them, I can get them back, when I
return to England. I shall make no apology for this
freedom, since I by no means solicit your Lordship's
attention to the thing, doubting myself whether it is
deserving of it, and all the favour I ask is, that in
case the packet is called for, it may have a perusal at
your leisure.

" I am with much respect,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient
" humble servant,

"RICHARD OSWALD.

" I have sent notice to Mr. Grenville, that he may
have his packets ready. The copy I send is wrote
out fair and plain by Mr. Whiteford, so that the
papers will be more easily read, than if they had been
in my hand."

vol. nr. s

258 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 33.

MR. FRANKLIN TO MR. OSWALD.

Pi88Y,/Wy 12*A, 1782.

tt

" Sir,

"I inclose a letter for Lord Shelburne, to go
by your courier, with some others, of which I request
his care ; they may be put into the Penny Post. I
have received a note informing me, that c some oppo-
sition given by his Lordship to Mr. Fox's decided
plan of unequivocally acknowledging American Inde-
pendency, was one cause of that gentleman's resigna-
tion ; ' this, from what you have told me, appears
improbable, — it is farther said, 'that Mr. Grenville
thinks Mr. Fox's resignation will be fatal to the
present negociation.' This perhaps is as groundless
as the former. Mr. Grenville's next courier, will
probably clear up matters. I did understand from
him that such an acknowledgement was intended
before the commencement of the treaty; and until
it is made and the treaty formally begun, proposi-
tions, and discussions seem, on consideration, to be
untimely, nor can I enter into particulars without
Mr. Jay, who is now ill with the influenza. My
letter, therefore, to his Lordship, is merely compli-
mentary on his late appointment.

" I wish a continuance of your health, in that at
present sickly city, being with sincere esteem, Sir,
" Your most obedient and most humble servant,

« B. FRANKLIN.

"P.S. — I send you inclosed the late Resolutions

*.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 259

of the State of Maryland, by which the general dis-
position of people in America may be guessed respec-
ting any Treaty to be proposed by General Carleton,
if intended, which I do not believe."

MR FRANKLIN TO LORD SHELBURNE.

"Pamy, July 12th, 1783.

" My Lord,

" Mr. Oswald informing me that he is
about to dispatch a courier, I embrace the oppor-
tunity of congratulating your Lordship on your
appointment to the Treasury. It is an extension of
your power to do good, and in that view, if in no
other, it must increase your happiness, which I
heartily wish, being with great and sincere respect,
" My Lord,

" Your Lordship's most obedient and most
" humble servant,

« R FRANKLIN.
" Right Hon. the Earl of Shxlbubhe."

LORp SHELBURNE TO MR. GRENVILLE.

" St. Jaw's, July ISO* 1782.

" Sir,

"I have the honour to receive your letter of
the 9th, containing a very clear state of the several
negociations committed to your care. Your very
earnest desire of being recalled, will be taken into
consideration, the moment a Secretary of State is
appointed, which will take place on Wednesday. In
the mean time, as I collect from your letter, and

■ 2

260 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtai. 38.

understand more particularly from Lord Temple,
that your wish is to return as soon as possible, I
have his Majesty's commands, to desire that you will
acquaint the French Minister, and others, with whom
you are in Treaty, that it is his Majesty's pleasure,
that you should return to receive such fresh instruc-
tions, as the change of the department may render
necessary, taking care to leave no suspicion on their
mind, that it is meant to relax in any respect from
the intention and spirit with which the negociations
have been hitherto carried on, by repeating the
assurances you were before directed to make to these
ministers, of his Majesty's sincere desire of peace,
upon safe, honourable, and permanent terms. I have
great satisfaction in relying on your discretion and
honour, that you will take care that his Majesty's
service shall not suffer in any respect by your
departure.

" I am, &c."

LORD SHELBURNE TO MR OSWALD.

"July nth, 1782.

[PBIVATK.1

"Dear Sir,

" The King has given Mr. Grenville leave
to return, and directed him to acquaint the French
minister, Dr. Franklin, &c, that it is for the purpose
of receiving fresh instructions, which will be necessary
on the change of the department, taking care to
repeat every assurance of the King's desire for peace,

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 261

and not to leave any impression on the minds of
those with whom he is in treaty, of the least relaxation
from the intention and spirit of the negociation, as
hitherto carried on. I have the firmest reliance on
Mr. Grenville's honour, that he will take care that the
King's service shall not suffer in any respect by his
departure : and I must strictly enjoin you not to
mention to any person whatever this communication,
till Mr. Grenville himself communicates his intentions
and instructions, and in his own manner.

" I have nothing more to add, except that I am
surprised at not hearing from you, that the present
state of things makes it more necessary than ever
that we should be fully instructed in all points leading
to a general, or a separate peace, that though you
are not instructed to talk upon points regarding
France, Spain, and Holland, it does not prevent your
endeavouring to gain all possible insight into their
intentions and dispositions.

" I am, &c.

"Richard Oswald, Esq."

MR OSWALD TO LORD SHELBURNE.

" Paris, Tuesday, July 16<A, 1782.

" My Lord,

" I had this morning the honour of your
Lordship's letter of the 13th, by the messenger Hog.
Having heard by different persons that Mr. Grenville
is to set out for London to-morrow morning, I write
this to inform your Lordship that I wrote you sundry

262 CORRESPONDENCE OF {JEita*. S3.

letters by the messenger Potter, who left this place
on Friday last, the 12th.

" To those letters I have nothing to add relative
to business, and am of opinion it would be improper
for the present to attempt to take up afresh with
Dr. Franklin the subject mentioned in my last letters.
I will, however, observe, that having called upon him
last Sunday, I showed him, from your Lordship's
letter of the 5th, that paragraph relating to inde-
pendence, which, on a former occasion, I had not
read to him, as believing he was satisfied it was
intended in the way he wished.

" I have the honour to be,
a My Lord,
" Your Lordship's most obedient,
" humble servant,

« RICHARD OSWALD."

RICHARD OSWALD, ESQ.

" Commission, July 25th, 1782.

George R.,

Our Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby authorize
and command you forthwith to prepare a Bill for our
Signature, to pass Our Great Seal of Great Britain, in the
words, or to the effect following, viz. :

George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great
Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c, To
Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Bichard Oswald, of Our City of
London, Esq., Greeting : Whereas by virtue of an Act passed
in the last Session of Parliament, intituled, " An Act passed
to enable His Majesty to conclude a Peace or Truce with
certain Colonies in North America therein mentioned/' it

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 263

is recited, " that it is essential to the Interest, Welfare, and
Prosperity of Great Britain, and the Colonies or Plantations
of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three
lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia in North America,
that Peace, Intercourse, Trade, and Commerce should be
restored between them."

Therefore, and for a full Manifestation of Our earnest
Wish and Desire, and of that of Our Parliament, to put an
end to the calamities of War, it is enacted, that it should
and might be lawful for Us, to treat, consult of, agree, and
conclude with any Commissioner or Commissioners named, or
to be named, by the said Colonies or Plantations, or with
any Body or Bodies, Corporate or Politic, or any Assembly or
Assemblies, or Description of Men, or any Person or Persons
whatsoever, a Peace or a Truce with the said Colonies or
Plantations, or any of them, or any part or parts thereof,
any Law, Act or Acts of Parliament, Matter or Thing to the
contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

Now Know ye, That We reposing especial Trust in your
Wisdom, Loyalty, Diligence, and Circumspection in the
management of the Affairs to be hereby committed to your
charge, have nominated and appointed, and assigned, and by
these presents do nominate and appoint, constitute and
assign, you, the said Richard Oswald, to be our Commissioner
in that behalf, to Use and Exercise all and every the Powers
and Authorities hereby entrusted and committed to you, the
said Richard Oswald, and to do, perform, and execute all
other Matters and Things hereby enjoined and committed to
your care during Our Will and Pleasure, and no longer,
according to the Tenor of these Our Letters Patent.

And it is Our Royal Will and Pleasure, and We do
hereby authorize, empower, and require you, the said Richard
Oswald, to treat, consult of, and conclude with any Commis-

264 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtat. 33.

sioner or Commissioners named, or to be named by the said
Colonies or Plantations, and any Body or Bodies, Corporate
or Politic, or any Assembly or Assemblies, Description of
Men, or any Person or Persons whatsoever, a Peace or a
Truce with the said Colonies or Plantations, or any of them,
or any part or parts thereof, any Law, Act or Acts of
Parliament, Matter or Thing to the contrary in any wise
notwithstanding.

And it is Our further Will and Pleasure, that every Regu-
lation, Provision, Matter, or Thing which shall have been
agreed upon between you, the said Bichard Oswald, and such
Commissioner or Commissioners, Body or Bodies, Corporate
or Politic, Assembly or Assemblies, Description of Men,
Person or Persons, as afo resaid, with whom you shall have
judged meet and sufficient to enter into such Agreement,
shall be fully and distinctly set forth in Writing and authen-
ticated by your Hand and Seal, on one side, and by such Seals,
or other Signature on the other, as the occasion may require,
and as may be suitable to the Character and Authority of the
Commissioner or Commissioners, &c, as aforesaid so agree-
ing. And such Instrument so authenticated, shall be by you
transmitted to Us, tlirough one of Our Principal Secretaries
of State. And it is our further Will and Pleasure, that you
the said Richard Oswald, shall promise and engage for Us,
and in Our Royal Name and Word, that every Regulation,
Provision, Matter, or Thing, which may be agreed to, and
concluded by you, Our said Commissioner, shall be ratified
and confirmed by Us in the fullest manner and extent, and
that We will not suffer them to be violated or counteracted,
either in whole or in part by any person whatsoever. And
We do hereby require and command all Our Officers, Civil
and Military, and all other Our loving Subjects whatsoever,
to be aiding and assisting unto you, the said Richard Oswald,
in the Execution of this Our Commission, and of the Powers
and Authorities herein contained. Provided always, and We

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 265

do hereby declare and ordain that the several Offices, Powers,
and Authorities hereby granted, shall cease, determine, and
become utterly Null and Void, on the First day of July,
which shall be in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand seven
hundred and eighty-three, although We shall not otherwise in
in the meantime have revoked and determined the same. In
Witness, &c.

And for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given at
our Court at St. James's, the twenty -fifth day of July, One
Thousand seven hundred and eighty-two. In the twenty-second
year of our reign.

By His Majesty's commands,

« THO. TOWNSHEND.
"To Oub Attorney or Solicitor-General."

COPY OP A LETTER TO RICHARD OSWALD, ESQ., FROM

MR. TOWNSHEND.

"July 26th, 1782.

"Sir,

"I expect to have had the honor to
transmit you herewith the King's Commission,
authorising you to treat and conclude a Peace, with
the American Commissioners at Paris, as well as his
Majesty's instructions consequent to it. But, from the
length of time necessary to pass the Commission, I
have thought it necessary to forward this to you
without waiting for it. From the opinion which I
have had very good reason to conceive of your
ability, I have no doubt but that you will acqUit
yourself both as to spirit and form, to the satisfaction
of his Majesty in this important business.

" As my intention is, and ever will be, in the high
office which I have the honor to hold, to conduct
my correspondence with the utmost precision and

266 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 83.

perspicuity, I desire you will, without reserve, com-
municate to me any doubt that may arise upon your
instructions, or any difficulties that may occur in the
course of your negociation. Be assured, that you
will ever find me ready to pay due attention to your
opinions upon the arduous undertaking in which
you are engaged, and to communicate to you, his
Majesty's pleasure thereupon.

" I think it necessary to acquaint you, that Mr.
Fitzherbert, now at Brussels, has orders to join you
at Paris, and to replace Mr. Grenville. I have great
pleasure in recommending him to your confidence, as
he is a person of whose talents and discretion I have
the highest opinion, founded on a long acquaintance.

" Of those with whom you are to treat, I have no
knowledge of any, except Dr. Franklin. My know-
ledge of him is of a long standing, though of no great
degree of intimacy. I am not vain enough to sup-
pose that any public conduct or principles of mine
should have attracted much of his notice; but I
believe he knows enough of them to be persuaded
that no one has been more averse to the carrying on
this unhappy contest, or a more sincere friend to
peace and reconciliation than myself. If he does me
the justice to believe these sentiments to be sincere,
hfe will be convinced that I shall show myself, in the
transaction of this business, an unequivocal and
zealous friend to pacification upon the fairest and
most liberal terms.

" Though I have not the pleasure of a personal
acquaintance with you, Sir, your character is not

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 267

unknown to me, and from that I derive great satis-
faction in seeing this very important negotiation in
your hands.

" When the Commission is made out, you will hear
from me again, and receive at the same time his
Majesty's instructions for the execution of it.

" I have the honor to be, &c,

" T. TOWNSHEND."

george iii. to the king of france.

* " Monsieur Mon Frere,

" Ayant fait choix du Sieur Fitzherbert pour
se rendre k votre Cour, en qualite de Mon Ministre,
je vous prie de donner une entiere creance a tout ce
qu'il vous dira de ma part, et surtout aux assurances
qu'il vous donnera de mon estime singuliere pour
vous, et de mon desir sincere de voir heureusement
retablir entre nous une amitie ferme et durable.

" Je suis,

" Monsieur Mon Frere,
" Votre bon Frere,

" GEORGE R.
" A. St. Jambs'8, ce 27 Juiilet, 1782."

INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. OSWALD.

"/tt/y31»<,1782.

(l.s.) George R.

Orders and Instructions to be observed by Our Trusty and

Well-beloved Richard Oswald, of the City of London,

Esquire, whom, by virtue of an Act passed in the present

Sessions of Parliament, entitled An Act to enable His

268 CORRESPONDENCE OF [iETAT. 38.

Majesty to conclude a Peace or a Truce with certain
Colonies in North America therein-mentioned, We have
appointed Our Commissioner for treating and con-
cluding a Peace with any Commissioner or Commis-
sioners named or to be named by the said Colonies
or Plantations or any Part or Parts of them. Given
at Our Court at St. James's this thirty-first day of July,
One Thousand seven hundred and eighty-two. And in
the twenty-second year of Our Eeign.

Whereas report has been made to Us, by One of Our Prin-
cipal Secretaries of State, of Information which he had received
from B. Franklin, Esquire, of Philadelphia, now residing at or
near to Paris, to this effect : — "That he, the said B. Franklin
was commissioned with others (whom he named to be Messrs.
Adams, Laurens, and Jay) to treat of and conclude a Peace ; —
that full Powers were given to them for that purpose, and
that Congress promised in good faith to Ratify, Confirm, and
cause to be faithfully observed the Treaty they should make.
But that they could not treat separately from France."

And whereas having received Assurances of His Most
Christian Majesty's sincere disposition towards Peace; and
Paris having been mutually fixed upon, as the most con-
venient Place, at which all Parties might assemble for the
purpose of entering upon Negotiation, We have already sent
Our Trusty and Well-beloved Thomas Grenville, Esquire,
to that Capital, with Full Powers to commence a Negotiation
with the Court of France, and the other Belligerent Powers in
Europe ; Now in consequence of the Overtures above-men-
tioned on the part of Persons thus stating themselves to be
deputed by the Assembly of Delegates of the Revolted Colo-
nies, and out of Our earnest desire to put an end to the
Calamities of a War, which has so long subsisted; and
because it has also been reported to Us, by one of Our
Principal Secretaries of State, that the said Benjamin
Franklin, Esquire, has expressed a strong desire " Of keep-

1782.] CHARLES JAMES POX. 269

ing the Treaties of Peace distinct between the several Parties
though going on at the same time ; " We have taken these
Premises into Our consideration, and have thought fit by
Our Commission under Our Great Seal of Great Britain to
constitute you, the said Bichard Oswald, Our Commissioner
for concluding a Peace, and have caused you to be furnished
with such Papers and Information as may enable you to inter-
change Overtures of Peace, giving you at the same time the
following instructions for your Conduct in the Execution of
the Important Trust We have reposed in you.

1. On the receipt of these Our Instructions, together with
Our Commission, you will forthwith enter upon a Conference
with the American Commissioners, or as many of them as
may be assembled, and you will inform them of Our Purpose
in granting you Our Commission with Full Powers, a copy
whereof you will deliver to them, at the same time declaring
that you shall be ready to produce the Original when desired.
You will moreover deliver to them a copy of the Act of
Parliament upon which the Powers granted you by Our
Commission are founded.

2. Tou will then express Our Wishes, that the Mutual
Powers of Treating and Concluding may be so general and
definitive, that matters may thereby be brought to a speedy
and determinate Issue. With this View, you will desire to
be informed of, and to see the Nature and Extent of the
Authority with which the Commissioners are invested by the
Congress ; and we hereby Authorize you to admit any Persons,
with whom you treat, to describe themselves by any Title or
Appellation whatsoever, and to represent their Superiors, from
whom they state themselves to derive Authority under any
denomination whatever.

3. These Preliminaries being settled, You will declare that
you are ready and desirous to learn any Ideas and Intentions
they (the American Commissioners) may have, for carrying
into effect, with most speed and certainty, Our earnest

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 271

these unhappy disputes taken part with Great Britain, and in
consequence thereof have been considered as having thereby
exposed their Property to Confiscation, Justice as well as
Compassion demands that a Restitution or Indemnification
should be required on behalf of such sufferers.

On this head you will propose a Restoration of all Rights,
as they stood before the Commencement of Hostilities, and
a general Amnesty of ail Offences committed, or supposed to
be committed in the course of them.

8. If you should collect from the answer made to the
Representations, that their consent to the preceding article
cannot be obtained without some further concessions on Our
Part, and the cession before proposed of New York, &c. be
not sufficient, you may in that case propose to stipulate for
the annexation of a portion of our ungranted Lands to each
Province in lieu of what shall be restored to the Refugees and
Loyalists, whose estates they have seized and confiscated.

9. In regard to the question of any National Substitution
for the Dependent Connection with Great Britain, You must
in the first place seek to discover the Dispositions and Inten-
tions of the Colonies, by the Intimations and Propositions
of the Commissioners. And if it shall appear to you to be
impossible to form with them any Political League of Union
or Amity to the exclusion of other European Powers, you
will be particularly earnest in your Attention and Arguments
to prevent their binding themselves under any Engagement
inconsistent with the plan of Absolute and Universal Indepen-
dence, which is the indispensable condition of our acknow-
ledging their Independence on Our Crown and Kingdoms.

10. It were much to be wished, that a foundation for an
Amicable Connection could be laid in some mutual Principle
of Benefit and Indulgence. In this view We would direct
you to propose as a friendly Token of Reconciliation, and of
Propensity to those Ties, which are consonant to our mutual
Relation, Habits, Language, and Nature, that in future an

173 CORRESPOTOENCE OP [Mtat. SI

unreserved system of Naturalization should be agreed upon
between Our Kingdoms and the American Colonies.

11. But notwithstanding you are by Our Commission
authorized to conclude, and sign anything that may be agreed
upon between You and tlie American Commissioners, it is
Our express Will and Pleasure, that yon do not, in virtue of
the said Power, proceed to the signature of any Act whatever
with the Commissioners for the Colonies, without first having
received Our Special Orders for that purpose from one of Our
Principal Secretaries of States.

12, Whereas We have at the earnest desire and sugges-
tion of the said Commissioners, as above stated, actually
commenced a negociation with the Court of France, which
has been extended to other Belligerent Powers, and entrusted
as above to Our Trusty and Weli-bebved Allevne Fitzherbert,
Esq.. with the necessary Powers for that purpose, Our Will
and Pleasure is. that yon preserve the most constant and
intimate Communication from time to time with the said
Atteyne Filiherbert, and in case you shall learn from such
Comtnuuicaiion. that the P-vpcsu* of the Court of France,
or of the other Bellijeren: Powers, without whose concur-
letter the Court o:" Versailles will not conclude a Treaty,
should be sues, as We Carlos ecrisiswnily with a due regard
ft* Our own hecour. asd tie Interests ci Our Khgdom,
accept, and the «xsy-s -it a several Trea:y should be thereby
frustrated : Ytftt will iz tiis eixc: pviz; yrcr whcie aoecisn
to dispose tite Aaaerieas G.-aix^sKOQers xns a sepan»
Nejc.xaab.w. a taw kw. thas the Cv=osscns yea ate
ajMkmed to waie, wil accear K :iem S? sassy lire Inse-
■— *> — 1 •** »>*»<** 0£ Uk: Conac^uacs. a* 3 ihii case

sGmt&e it. -oe s: psrsst in a Wjj. w^ei,
• e av lk-a^ec lay .'C.-ecs. *n>i 3 as he iceed,
i fcr jnt£ themaecves <c lie ;arv«:«es cf
ill any Tate. Y.tl w-iL Kt skl i; iai-rai
wis* wii. <tuaame uem ami men sj Ts

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 273

accordingly through one of our Principal Secretaries of State
waiting for, and expecting further instructions, which shall
be sent you with all suitable expedition.

" O. R. M

The following letters have been placed in my hands,
at my request, by the kindness of the Duke of Port-
land. There are other letters in the same collection
which I have not thought it worth while to publish,
on account of the temporary nature of the subjects of
which they treat. The arrangements for a contem-
plated ministry in 1789, seem to have given Mr. Fox
much trouble ; the reader will see, perhaps with some
surprise, that even at that time it was apparently not
intended to place Mr. Burke in the cabinet. With
respect to most of the other persons mentioned, all
interest respecting their pretensions, and their politics
has long passed away.

[Indoned— London, June 29th, 1782. Right Honourable Mr, Sec-
retary Fox. Received July 4th. Lord Rockingham's Amendment.
Cabinet as before.]

" My dear Lord,

"I have only time to tell you that Lord
Rockingham is a great deal better indeed. As to
other things, just as last night.

" Yours sincerely,

" c. J. FOX,
<< Richmond House, June 29th, 1782."

TOL. IV.

274 CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. »

[Indorsed— London, July 6th, 1782. Right Honourable Mb. Fox.
Received 11th. Reasons for his resignation.]

" My dear Lord,

" The hurry I have been in for some time past
will, I am sure, be a sufficient excuse with your
Grace for not having written to you at this very
interesting moment. My conduct has been much
blamed, but I have reason to flatter myself that it is
approved by very many, and especially by those
whose opinions I most respect. I can hardly doubt
but when Richard * explains to you the circumstances
of the case, you will think me in the right. Possibly
you will hardly wait for an explanation to decide
that it could not be right to remain with Lord
Shelburne as minister. I shall be very sorry
indeed, if I should have acted contrary to your
Grace's opinion, on many accounts, but among
others, because I really think that all the little
chance that remains of ever doing good depends
upon your taking the lead of us, and animating us
by your firmness and zeal. After what has passed,
I need not say that my part is completely taken,
and that I hope, whatever other changes may happen,
that the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Fitzwilliam,
your Grace, and I, shall always act together with
the same cordiality that we used to do when we
had other coadjutors ; and that we shall always keep
up a standard which all Whigs may repair to when

• Mr. FitaPfctrick.

1782.] CHARLES JAMES FOX, 275

they are so inclined. The defection of the Duke
of Richmond, Lord Temple and others is no doubt
a cruel blow to us, but it is to be hoped (and I am
sanguine in it), that they will soon see their error and
repent. Lord Shelburne says that he did all he
could, at our desire, to persuade H. M. to appoint
your Grace to the Treasury. Therefore I suppose
you will make him your acknowledgments for his
efforts, which though unsuccessful, were undoubtedly
sincere.

" I am, my dear Lord,

" Yours ever most sincerely,

« q j # FOX.
" London, July 6th, 1782."

[Indorsed — London, July 12th, 1782. Received 17th. Right
Honourable Mr. Fox.]

" My dear Lord,

" I need not say how much I am obliged to you
for your letter of the 6th, which I have just received.
Nothing could be more flattering to me than your
judging the part I have taken to be right, and your
presuming that I should take it. Richard can much
better explain to you all the circumstances relating
to it than I can do by letter. Your Grace puts it
upon the true point ; where there is not confidence,
there must be Power, and Power in this country
must accompany the Treasury. Those who have
thought otherwise will, I am convinced, soon repent
their conduct, and acknowledge that we saw the thing
in the true light. Lord Keppel has declared to the

T 2

276 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. SS.

King his intention of resigning at the end of the
campaign. His professional friends prevented his
taking the step immediately. I wrote what I knew
of the arrangements to Burgoyne last night, so have
no news to acquaint you with now. If we had con-
tinued, I told the Duke of Rutland that I should
have thought it necessary to ask the Garter for you,
unless you were to be First Lord of the Treasury, in
which case I had no doubt but that you would give
it to him. The only thing that vexes me in this
business, is, that I am convinced that if we had
resigned in a body, Shelburne must have yielded.

" I am, my dear Lord,

" Yours ever sincerely,

"C.J. FOX.

" Grafton Street, JvXy \1tk t 1782."

[Indorsed — St. Anne's Hill, January 29th, 1784. 9 a.m. Right
Honourable Mr, Fox.]

"My dear Lord,

" I have just received a note from Sheridan,
who tells me that Pitt has given an answer, and
that you must give one at eleven o'clock, and wish
to see me first. It is quite impossible for me to be
in town so soon ; but I think our line is quite clear
— not to treat with him until he has resigned, and
when he has, to adhere to the three preliminaries you
mentioned to Marsham formerly. The only doubt
can be, whether you should insist upon these being
settled previous to your meeting, or at the meeting ;
but as I do not understand from Sheridan's note

1784.] CHARLES JAMES FOX, 277

that Pitt has resigned, we are not yet come to that
difficulty. I almost flatter myself that you do not
want me quite so much as Sheridan says; because
I rather think if you had, you would not have trusted
to him, but would have sent to me time enough for
me to come, and would have let me know what
Pitt's answer is, which he has not even hinted. I

* •

will be at Devonshire House by two o'clock.

" Yours ever,

"C. J. FOX.
" St. Ann's Hill, Thursday morning, 9 o'clock.
January 29th, 1784."

[Indorsed— St. Anns Hill, February 24th, 1784. 10 p.m. Right
Honourable Mr. Fox. Received at 15 min. past 1 a.m.]

"Mr dear Lord,

"It is now near ten, and I have but just received
your letter, so that all thoughts of going to town to-
night, must of course be out of the question. 1 will
tell you exactly how I understood the matter, by
which you will perceive that I do not agree entirely
either with Marsham or you. The expedient to
which Powis alluded was, as I conceived it, this : that
the King should send to you to talk to you upon the
subject of a new Ministry ; that you should mention
to the King, the utility of a junction, and take his
Majesty's orders to apply to Pitt or any one else upon
the subject. I confess I did not mention, nor do
I in this case, see the necessity of a direct significa-
tion to the House of Commons of the end of this
ministry. Thus far perhaps I rather lean to

278 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JEtat. S5.

Marsham; but on the other hand, I never could
advise you to give into what now appears to be the
proposition, viz., that you should go to the King only
pro forma, knowing that you are to receive from
his Majesty the same proposal in words which you
had before in writing, and I think the proposition
infinitely the worse for Pitt's being previously a
party to it. Marsham and everybody must see that
it lies completely open to the old objection of Pitt's
being as it were an agent for the King; and I
mention this the rather because in every conversation
at which I have been present, Powis seemed to feel
the whole weight of this difficulty at least as much
as myself. I must at the same time say, that
Marsham made more light of it. At all events if
the King sends you must go, but no man upon
reflection, however eager for union, can think it
proper, that it should be stipulated and explained
beforehand what his Majesty is to say to you. You
and not Pitt must be the King's agent, as far as he
is supposed to have one, and to this I think you
should adhere ; but I own I think that part of the
difficulty which relates to the honour of the House
of Commons will be in a great degree got over
whenever the King shall have sent to you to assist
him (not Pitt) in forming a new administration,
because nobody will suppose that he takes such a
measure but from a sense of the impossibility of
maintaining his servants against the House of Com-
mons. I have told you all that occurs to me, but
whichever way you decide I shall be perfectly

1784.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 279

satisfied. I will be in town to-inorrow morning
certainly.

" Yours ever sincerely,

" C. J. FOX.
"St. Ann's Hill, February 2ith, 1784, 10 oV*£."

[Indorttd— St. Ann's Hill, July 27th, 1784, half-past 8 p.m. Right
Honourable Mb. Fox. Received at 8 p.m.]

"My dear Lord,

"As I happened to be out when your servant
arrived, although he went immediately in search for
me, yet I have but just received your letter, and, con-
sequently, my being in town for any parliamentary
business this day is out of the question. With
respect to the wish you and other friends have of my
attending Parliament, though I little thought I ever
could even demur upon an occasion where you
express yourself so strongly, I must own that my
opinion is so very strong on the other side of the
question, that 1 cannot do what you desire without
begging you at least to reconsider the subject. The
propriety of our friends attending as a party without
me I am far from insisting upon ; and, indeed, I was
so very far from supposing such an intention, that I
told Lord John Cavendish that I thought it full as
well he should be out of Parliament for the present,
and have uniformly given it as my opinion to every
individual member who consulted me, that there was
no reason why he should not go out of town. It is
impossible not to see that the majority is much more
against us than for the ministry ; and their behaviour

280 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. Si

on the India Bill, which had begun to excite much
discontent till I opposed it, is a very sufficient lesson
in my mind that it is not by our interference that we
have the best chance of making them sick of their
folly. At the same time I own that the manner in
which Sheridan and Eden have teazed Pitt, and
shown his ignorance upon so many occasions has had
its use ; but I am convinced that even this advan-
tage would have been less if I had been present, and
given the businesses upon which these skirmishes
have happened, more the appearance of a pitched
battle between ministry and us. With regard, there-
fore, to the idea of a general attendance in the House,
I must beseech you to reconsider it before I can
adopt it in direct contradiction to my own full con-
viction. With respect to the Navy Bill business,
whenever it shall be in a shape in which we can
divide against it (I care not with how small numbers),
I will go to town, and enter my protest against what
I conceive to be a breach of public credit. If, there-
fore, that is to come on to-morrow, and you will let
me know it by a line by the post to-night, or by any
other conveyance which will reach this place before
one o'clock to-morrow, I will go to town imme-
diately. I beg to be understood at the same time
that I do not mean to refuse going up upon other
businesses, too, if you should persist in thinking it
desirable; but I must say it will be as much
against my opinion as my inclination. With
respect to my inclination, I know it ought to give
way ; but yet if any one else had done all I have for

1784.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 281

these last eight months, and was as completely tired
out with it, body and mind, as I am, I believe he
would think he had some right to consult it. I can-
not express to you how fatigued I was with the last
day's attendance, and how totally unequal I feel
myself in point of spirits, to acquit myself as I
ought to do, either for the good of the party, or for
my own reputation. However, I must submit to
your judgment and to theirs if you persist in your
opinion. But I am sure you will not repent it, if you
will so far trust me as to believe that I know the
House of Commons as well, and myself something
better than, those who differ from me. I am sure you
will do me the justice to believe, that if it were nothing
more than caprice or laziness that kept me here, your
letter would have produced my immediate attendance
in town, instead of this long answer. Great injustice
is done me, if I am suspected of any want of zeal for
the cause ; but I know, that both on my own account,
and in consideration of the present state of the House,
I can serve it better by lying by for a little while.
" I am, very sincerely, my dear Lord,

" Yours ever,

u c. J. FOX.
"St. Ann's Hill, Tuesday, half -past 3."

[Indorsed— St Ann's Hill, AugusO, 1784. Right Honourable Mb.

Fox.]

" I shall certainly be in town to-morrow, my dear
Lord, as you desire it ; though, as to exposing the
absurdity of the plan, there is nobody who has
thought of it so little as I, — and who is so unfit for

1789.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 283

" I have seen Adam, and entirely approve stirring
without doors as soon as possible, and avoiding, if we
can, any more divisions. My health must be so far
attended to, as not to appoint for the Westminster
Meeting a day likely to follow immediately a long
night in the House of Commons.

"I hear the Duke of Northumberland certainly
refuses Ireland. If the Ordnance can be kept for
Conway, pray do it ; and surely if Lord Rawdon is
of the Cabinet, they ought to be satisfied. I suppose
a Commoner cannot be President, otherwise it might
be stated to them, that either that office, or the
Ordnance, must be kept for Conway. You will think
I harp very much upon this part of the arrangement,
but I really do feel considerable uneasiness about it.
I suppose it will be impossible for you to call here
before the House of Lords to-morrow, but I hope we
shall meet the day after, and settle finally a great
part at least of this troublesome business.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX.
" South Street, Wtdnuday nvjht"

First Lord of the Treasury . Duke of Portland.

Chancellor of Exchequer . . Lord J. Cavendish.

Secretary of State (Home) . Lord Stormont.

Ditto, Foreign .... Mr. Fox.

First Lord of Admiralty
President of Council .
Privy Seal
Chancellor
Pay Master
Treasurer of Navy .
Secretary at War
Master of Mint .

Lord Fitzwilliam.
Lord Carlisle.
Lord Rawdon.
Lord Loughborough.
Mr. Burke.
Mr. Sheridan.
Mr. Fitzpatrick.
Lord Robert Spencer.

284

CORRESPONDENCE OF

[ufiTAT. 40.

Post Masters ,

Vice-Treasurers

Surveyor of Woods .
„ Lands .

Ranger of Parks

Treasury .

{Lord Foley.
Lord Cadogan.
r Lord Sandwich.
iMr. North.
. Lord Charles Spencer.
. Mr. J. St John.

{

Admiralty

Master-General of Ordnance

Surveyors .

Vice Minchin
Vice Adam

Sir Q. Cooper.
Sir Q. Elliot
Mr. Windham.
( Lord Duncannon.
Lord J. Townshend.
Admiral Pigott.
Captain McBride.
Mr. Eeene.
.Lord Ludlow.
• Duke of Northumberland.

{Mr. Courtney.
Mr. Strachey.
Mr. Kenrick.
. Colonel Stanhope.
. Mr. Beckford.

" Chief Justice in Eyre, S. of Trent, made up as it
was to Lord Grantley, if given to Lord Sandwich,
might enable us to keep Lord Mount Edgecombe ; if
given to Lord Hertford, or Lord Beauchamp, might
enable us to keep the Duke of Dorset. Chief Justice
N. of Trent, Lord Rochester, or Mr. Thomas Gren-
ville, or Mr. Grey. If I am to be in effect the
head of the Indian Board, Grenville would be best,
as it would be a great satisfaction indeed to me
to have him at the Board with me ; but, on the other
hand, it would enable Grey to be Vice-President to
the Board of Trade, which he would like, and would
not be unsuitable to him.

" I have left the Parks vacant, but they might be
given either to Lord Jersey, Lord Townshend, or Mr.

1789.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 285

Charles Townshend; or, if they were made up as
before, they might answer one of the purposes for
which I have mentioned the Chief Justiceship in
Eyre. I have supposed the Duke of Northumberland
to have the Ordnance, contrary to my wishes. If he
has not, perhaps Sir J. Swinburne must be at the
Admiralty, and poor Lord Ludlow give way. Walpole
must, I think, in our present distress, be satisfied
with his former situation.

r Mr. Fox.

India Board

Lord J. Cavendish.

Mr. Burke.

Lord R. Spencer.

Mr. Montagu.

-Lord Porchester.
Presidency Board of Trade Mr. Sheridan.

Vice-President ditto . Mr. North.

" If Lord Porchester does not take office, Grenville
may be in his place, or, if Grey is (Vice-President),
North must come to the India Board.

[Indorsed— Bath. February 16th, 1789. Right Honourable Mb. Fox.]

"My dear Lord,

" I think your observation with respect to what
I thought of about our proceedings in Ireland is
conclusive against my idea. I am sure you will
agree with me that the bulletins, whether good or
bad, ought not to make the slightest difference in the
conduct of the Prince, or of us. I have written several
letters to impress this opinion upon our friends, and I
own I am very anxious about it, because I think if we
were to alter our conduct, we should tacitly abandon
every principle on which we have relied.

" I shall leave this place on Thursday after the

1792.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 287

against him at a juncture in which he must feel him-
self so vulnerable. In this view I wished you to see
the Duke of Leeds, and am glad you have seen him,
because I take for granted, that through him it will
be known to the King, that if Pitt has given him any
hopes of dividing us, these hopes are delusive. I say
this from what I know must have been your conversa-
tion with the Duke of Leeds, and from the few words
you say, for I have not yet heard from St. John.
Rolleston comes to me to-morrow, and will, I sup-
pose, bring me his letter. I agree with you in doubting
much the Duke of Leeds's influence anywhere ; but
for the reason you give, I am very glad you have seen
him. Pitt has now made his third offer of the Great

Seal to Lord L , India to Lord North, and

the Garter to you. Whether if these things are
known they will strengthen him in the opinion of the
public, or raise him in that of his party, I much
doubt ; but that is his business. That we can never
with honour or advantage come in under him I am
convinced, and I deceive myself if I do not ground this
opinion much more upon party than personal reasons
and feelings. However, I am sensible that by many
it will be, nay it is, attributed to reasonings which
are peculiar to myself ; and I own this idea gives me
some uneasiness, though I am sure it is not founded.*
" I am very sincerely,

" My dear Lord, yours ever,

" c. J. FOX.
" St. Ann's Hill, Saturday night."

* /. e. well founded —

" Whole as the marble, founded as the rock/' — Shakespeare.

288 CORRESPONDENCE OF [iETAT. 43.

[Indorsed — July 26th, 1792. Mr. Rolleston.]

"Eaton Street, Thursday, July 26th, 1792.

" My Lord,

"I have just returned from St. Anne's Hill, and
have the honour to send your Grace the accompanying
letter from Mr. Fox, who says he perfectly approves of
everything hitherto done respecting the business in
question.

" Sir Ralph Woodford, by desire of the Duke of
Leeds, he said, told me this morning, that as soon as
I forwarded to him your Grace's ' credential ' that he
meant to put it in his pocket, and (availing himself of an
offer made him by Lord Beaulieu to pass a few days
with his lordship in the neighbourhood of Windsor),
would take the first favourable opportunity of pro-
ducing that ' credential ' to his Majesty, and of
adding everything that he should feel himself autho-
rized to do, in order to bring about that union of
parties, which, I understand, he expresses himself not
to have less at heart than your Grace, for the benefit
of mankind in general, and of this country in
particular.

" I shall lose no time in conveying in a proper
manner your Grace's letter to the Duke of Leeds, when
I am honoured with it for that purpose, and have the
honour to be,

" My Lord,

" Your Grace's most devoted and

" most faithful humble servant,

"STEPHEN ROLLESTON.

1792.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 289

[Indorsed — St Ann's Hill, July 26th, 1792. Right Honourable
Mr. Fox.]

" My dear Lord,

" When I read the account you sent to St.
John of your conversation with the Duke of Leeds, I
was a good deal struck with his apparent backwardness
to communicate your sentiments to the King, because I
had heard that he had professed on the contrary great
readiness for such an employment. Upon enquiry
I find that he expected from you a direct request
that he would make such a communication, and that
without such a request he does not think himself
authorised to do it. I ventured to say for you, that
I was sure you would have no objection to your senti-
ments upon the present state of affairs being distinctly
known in the closet, but what the Duke of Leeds
wants, is an authority from you to this effect. If you
see no objection, I am sure I do not, to your writing
a few lines to him referring to your conversation and
expressing a wish that your sentiments might be
known to his Majesty, in order that if the country
suffers from the present weakness of Government, the
King should know that nothing can be imputed to
any backwardness in you or your friends to do their
part, and take their share in forming a strong
administration. Whether there will be any great use
in this, I do not know, but I think there can be no
harm ; and if it should be known, would be considered
as a measure that would do you credit. And I think
too it might be the means of ascertaining whether

VOL. IV. U

290 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 43.

there is any possibility of our coining in on other
terms than those of submission to Pitt. If such a
possibility exists, I am as eager for seizing and
improving it, as I am, and I believe always shall be,
totally averse from acting under him. If you think it
right to write to the Duke of Leeds, you had better
inclose the letter to Rolleston.

" Yours ever sincerly,

«• C J. FOX.
•' St. Ann's Hill, Thursday, July 26th. n

" I promised Coutts that I would mention to you
his being at Cheltenham, not that I suppose that any
introduction of him to you is necessary at such a place
as Cheltenham ; but I should be sorry he should
think I had neglected anything he wished, because I
am very much obliged to him.

"I take this opportunity of sending a strange
letter, which I have received from Carlisle. I must
own I have some difficulty to keep my temper, when
I hear of the friends of this Ministry complaining of
the weakness of Government, and reflect upon its
original formation."

[Indorsed— St. Ann's Hill, August 21st, 1792. Right Honourable
Mb. Fox.]

"My dear Lord,

" I am sorry you should have had the trouble
of writing me an account of what passed, as I had
always intended to go to town to-morrow to hear it.
I will if you please dine with you to-morrow, and talk

1792.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 291

over the present extraordinary state of things, in
which I own that there are some points upon which
I wish for explanation. Upon what could Dundas
think that he had a right to use any style resembling
complaint towards you, if the old negociation was as
completely at an end as you understood it to be ?
Is it possible that he understood otherwise ? But we
shall have time to talk over this to-morrow. You will
do me the justice to say that my nature is not inclined
to suspicion, but I confess if we cannot have a
coalition upon proper terms, of which I despair, I
shall be glad to find the two parties in their old state
of declared hostility again,

" Yours ever,

" C. J. FOX.
"St. Ann's Hill, Tuesday."

[Indorsed — St Ann's Hill, Half-past eix, December 1st, 1792. Right
Honourable Mb. Fox.]

"My dear Lord,

" I send you enclosed a note I have just re-
ceived from Adam. If they mention danger of Insurrec-
tion, or rather, as they must do to legalise their proceed-
ings, of Rebellion, surely the first measure all honest
men ought to take is to impeach them for so wicked
and detestable a falsehood. I fairly own that, if they
have done this, I shall grow savage, and not think
a French lanterne too bad for them. Surely it is
impossible — if any thing were impossible for such
monsters, who, for the purpose of weakening or
destroying the honorable connection of the Whigs,

u 2

2*2 CORRESPONDENCE oF [^Lixz. 43.

would not scruple to run the risk of a civil war.
I cannot trust mvself to write anv more, for I confess
I am too much heated.

" Yours affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.
" St. Aicic's Hill, Saturday, Half past tix."

[Indoture.] •• W. Hall, Saturday, Half past two o'clori:

" I think it right to send a person on purpose to let
you and the Duke of Portland know, while you are
together, that a Proclamation is to be issued to-day,
calling Parliament to meet the 13th instant. The
ground stated in the Proclamation is, I believe, Insur-
rections. The Militia is likewise to be embodied.

" Rolleston tells me this moment that Lord Gren-
ville has sent to the Gazette Office to desire the
Gazettes may not be delivered out until farther orders.
He supposes the reason to be that Lord Grenville
thinks it necessary to wait until they hear from
Windsor, whether these measures are sanctioned by
the King, Pitt being gone to the King.

" Yours ever,

" WILLIAM ADAM."
[Indorsed — December 31st, 1792. Right Honourable Mr. Fox.]

" My dear Lord,

" Though I mean to call upon you in the
course of the morning, yet as it may be uncertain whe-
ther I shall have an opportunity for a full conversation
with you, I think I owe it to our long and uninter-
rupted friendship, to tell you plainly and directly my
thoughts upon the state of this last unpleasant busi-

1792.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 293

ness ; and especially with respect to what may pass
to-day. That Sir G. E.'s speech was made with the
intention to force you in some way or other to a
declaration which might undo the effect of your
speech in the House of Lords, I have no doubt, and
I certainly suspect that in this project he was the
agent of those who wish, at all events, to widen the
breach, if they can find one, or to make one, if they
cannot find it, between you and me. His indelicacy in
delivering an opinion from you, which, from what has
since passed, I must think you never authorised him
to do in public, and his pertinacity in so doing, when
he knew that Lord Titchfield was to speak, leave me,
I own it, in no doubt of his unfair intentions, — full as
unfair, if not more so, towards you as to me.* I hope
he will not have succeeded in making any breach
between us, but he has in my judgment succeeded in
making it necessary for you, either by yourself or Lord
Titchfield, to declare yourself fully; and it is with
regard to this declaration to be made to-day, as I under-
stand, by Lord Titchfield, that I feel myself incre-
dibly anxious. If it should be in the smallest degree
ambiguous, if it should not be as perspicuous and
explicit as language can make it, the consequences to
me will be very unpleasant indeed, but to you much
worse ; if after to-day it should remain a question,
whether you are or are not a supporter of the Minis-
try — whether you still remain the head of that
Opposition which has so long considered you as

* See on this subject the Malmesbury Papers. Sir Gilbert Elliot repre-
sented at this time the Burke section of the party.

1792.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 295

redouble your vigilance and jealousy, than to relax in
your severity. The other expression which I heard
of with alarm, was a hope that we (meaning you and
me) might soon meet again. If anything of this sort
is said, it will give great credit to those who give out
with so much industry that we are separated, and
great discredit to me who maintain everywhere the
contrary. I feel the impropriety of suggesting ex-
pressions to you, and still more to Lord Titchfield ;
but I own I think he ought to be for your sake,
still more than for mine, very distinct and explicit,
and that he ought to declare directly either that he is
a supporter of Ministry, and separated from me, or
the direct contrary, — that he remains in his formfer
sentiments and conduct with respect to both them
and me. If, as I hope, the last is nearest to his
opinion, I need not say, that the present Bill and
other measures formed upon the ground of the dan-
gers in which you believe, and I do not, may be
made an exception without any inconsistency. To
support individual measures of Administration, while
we act in general opposition to the Ministers, is no
new conduct to us, and though I own that, if such
measures become more important, and are more fre-
quently the subjects of discussion, in such case the
union of those who differ upon them will become
more lax, and the opposition to those with whom
so often concur more feeble ; yet this is an
which may arise, but ought not to be antici|«cL
Indeed, in the present case, I am the more
because I know so few points upon which wu

296 CORRESPONDENCE OF [J£tat. 47.

do actually differ. However, this is matter for future
consideration, and rather a digression from the imme-
diate object of this letter, which is to press you by
every consideration both of friendship for me, and
regard for yourself, as well as wish for the preserva-
tion of the Whig Party, to think justly of the im-
portance of this day ; to see the necessity of being
completely explicit.

" Yours most affectionately,

"C. J. FOX.
" South Street, Monday Morning."

I now proceed to give the correspondence of Mr.
Fox with Mr. Gilbert Wakefield, which was published
many years ago. It turns almost entirely upon
literary questions.

MR FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

"South Street, December 11th, 1796.

" Sir,

" I received, a few days ago, your obliging
letter, together with the very beautiful book which
accompanied it.* The dedication of such an edition
of such an author is highly gratifying to me ; and to
be mentioned in such a manner by a person so
thoroughly attached to the principles of liberty and
humanity, as you, Sir, are known to be, is peculiarly
flattering to me.

" I am, with great regard,

" Sir,

" Your obedient, humble servant,

" c. j. fox:'

* Wakefield's edition of Lucretius, dedicated to Mr. Fox.

1796.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 297

SAME TO SAME.

" St. Ann's Hill, Monday.

" Sir,

"I received, on Saturday, the second
volume of Lucretius, together with a pamphlet of
yours upon Porson's Hecuba, for which I beg leave
to return you my thanks. I had received, some time
since, your letter, announcing to me the present of
the Lucretius ; but delayed answering it till I got
the book, which my servant had not then an oppor-
tunity of sending me, lest there might be some
mistake, from your mentioning Park Street, instead
of South Street, for my residence.

" I have read with great pleasure your observations
upon the Hecuba; but not having Euripides here,
there are many points upon which I cannot form a
judgment. One thing near the beginning has very
much puzzled me : I mean the difficulty which you
suppose some persons would find in making a verse
of

<pi\tmrov Kaov tuBuvwv AOPI,

which seems to me to be, supposing it to be part
of an Iambic, perfectly regular ; though by the word
AOPI being put in capitals, I must suppose that
there lies the irregularity. You then quote a verse
of Lucretius, which you call ' consimilis,' in which
there is an evident irregularity from the first syllable
in ' remota' which is usually short, being long.

1797.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 299

not be a 'suit/ to prevent harshness of construc-
tion?"

MR WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Haoevey, August 29th, 1797.

" Sir,

" I am highly gratified by your favourable
acceptance of my Lucretius and Diatribe. I must
beg of you to correct an oversight or two in the
latter. At p. 18, ver. 669 of the Hecuba should
not have been referred to ; and the 2\ in p. 24, line
7, should be transferred to the beginning of the
line.

"That what I have advanced, in p. 5, should
puzzle you, I must ascribe to an indistinctness in my
representation of the point in discussion. What I
mean is, that the final v should never be expressed,
but where a vowel follows ; or, in other words, that
this appendage was never employed as a device to
lengthen a short syllable, but merely to prevent the
harshness of an open vowel. Now, upon this
principle, the difficulty with the generality of
readers would be the proper enunciation of such
verses as that specified by me at the place. This
difficulty, I maintain, will be none to those accus-
tomed to pronounce Iambics with a suitable tone;
by which I understand a tone similar to that with
which all scholars, I believe, utter Anacreontics ; and
which certainly is necessary to all other verses, if
we wish to distinguish them from prose : —

OvV « I -Ktet fx | t Zf ui .

300 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jEtat. 48.

as if Aeo-e/i/T : and bopt as if bopel, with all the
emphasis of a long syllable. In short, however, these
niceties are scarcely to be conveyed intelligibly but
by conversation, where the modes of education have
been different, or novelties have been suggested by
matured study. Certainly the common mode of
reading, with a strange mixture of accent and
quantity,

Anna virutnque cano

as long as if it were vires, can never be vindicated,
and is well ridiculed through the following verses by
a late writer :

Malo me Galatea petit

Tu ne cede malis, sed contra

a n

The passages, which you cite from Bion and
Moschus, are considered, whether successfully or not,
in my edition, which you will honour me by accepting ;
and I will carry a copy of it to your house, when I
go to town on Thursday. KaxaXaav is the Dor. or
Mo\. form of the infinitive mode for aoxakaew, not
contracted : otherwise it had been aoxdkav.

" Certainly socios, in p. 38 of the Diatribe, would be
better.

" Sir ! your apology for taking up my time by these
inquiries might well have been spared : occupied as I
am, I think it no interruption, but an exquisite
pleasure, to comply with any wishes of Mr. Fox : nor
could I reap a greater gratification from my studies,
than the opportunity of discussing some of these
topics in conversation with you ; as it is possible that

1797.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 301

my elaborate inquiries for some years past might
occasionally strike out some new ideas on a subject
which is still but imperfectly understood by the best
scholars ; — an assertion, which, I believe, my Notes
on Lucretius will occasionally confirm.

" I am, Sir,
" With every sentiment of respect,
" Your obedient servant,

" GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

" St. Ann's Hill. Friday.

" Sir,

" I received yesterday your very obliging
letter, for which I return you many thanks, as well
as for the Bion and Moschus, which I will tell my
servant to take an early opportunity of sending down
to me.

" My puzzle arose from my supposing that, if you
meant to refer only to the short syllable at the end of
the verse, you would rather have asked, ' How shall
we pronounce verses that end with a short vowel ? '
of which there are so many, than have quoted one
particular verse out of thousands ; but I now per-
fectly understand you, though, I own, I do not think
your reasoning quite conclusive. I conceive the
reason for adding the final v is not for the sake of
pronunciation, which, in dead languages, is, and
always must be, a matter of great uncertainty, but in
order to preserve the rules of prosody which appear
generally to prevail among the Greek poets. I know

802 CORRESPONDENCE OF [<£tat. 48.

that, in Homer, and in other poets who write hexa-
meters, it is not very unusual to see a short vowel
become long by a particular position, though followed
by a single consonant, and that consonant a mute ;
and sometimes even by an aspirated vowel, as <f>iA€
imp* and other instances. But, as far as my limited
and uncertain recollection goes (very limited and
uncertain indeed, since, except four tragedies of
Sophocles last winter, I have not looked into the
Greek tragedians for twenty years and upwards), I
do not think that, in Iambic poetry, ariy short vowels,
excepting those only where the final v is used, are ever
put in the place of a long syllable, unless followed by
a p, or at least some liquid. Now, if this be true,
and if those short vowels only, to which the final v
is occasionally added, do sometimes appear in such
places, one cannot help suspecting that the final v
may in such cases have been used to lengthen the
syllable, as in other cases it is (as we all agree) used
to prevent the hiatus. Perhaps, in this inclination of
my opinion, I may be warped by the prejudice of an
Eton education; and, not having ever looked into
any old Greek manuscripts, I do not know how far it
is countenanced by any of them. I confess, however,
that I should not admit the short vowels at the end,
whether of hexameters or Iambics, to be cases in
point ; because it seems to be one of the most uni-
versal of those rules to which I before alluded, and
which seem to me to prevail among the ancient poets,
and that the last syllable of a verse may be always
long or short, as is most convenient.

1797.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 803

"I am very sorry more encouragement has not
been given to your Lucretius ; but I am willing to
flatter myself that it is owing to many people not
choosing to buy part of a work till the whole is com-
pleted. Both the Latin and Greek elegiac verses, in
the beginning of the second volume, have given me
great satisfaction ; but I should fear the inferior rank
which you give to our own country will not generally
please ; and certainly, in point of classical studies, or
poetry, to which the mention of Apollo naturally
carries the mind, we have no reason to place the
French above us/'

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

Hackney, September 2nd, 1797.

M

" Sir,

" Excuse this additional trouble, which a
desire to explain one point induces me to give you ;
and to convey a request, that you will favour me by
accepting, with the Bion and Moschus, two or three
other books which I have directed my bookseller to
send ; and which may possibly amuse you, when
nothing more interesting shall be at hand.

" The final syllable of a verse is always long, what-
ever its real quantity, in consequence both of the pause
and tone of voice, which are those of a long syllable ;
otherwise the verse would no more appear, and must
be wholly vitiated by the reader, attentive only to the
quantity of the syllable. That the old MSS. and
first editors, who followed their MSS., acknowledge

304 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 48.

no final v } in the cases alluded to, is most certain :
some later editors have partly seen, what I apprehend
to be the truth in this respect ; particularly Brunck
and Musgrave ; but, not discerning the true principle
of the fact, fluctuate between the omission and inser-
tion, in their practice, with great capriciousness.
Mr. R. P. Knight, who is a profound and accurate
Greek scholar, assented immediately to my notion,
when I once proposed it to him in a casual conver-
sation at the booksellers' : but I have found no other
person who entered so readily into my conceptions.
Indeed, it is my lot to enjoy the conversation of very
few scholars, on account of the political complexion,
and, let me add, theological complexion, too, of the
times : —

Fcenum habet in cornu : longe fuge !

Will you give me leave, Sir, to say, that you
scarcely appear well founded in your construction of
my Greek verses in the preface ? I think the con-
text and the language alike prove, that my preference
of the French is merely in a political, not in their
literary, character ? And what can be more deeply-
sunk in ignominy than we are as a nation, in that
view, at the present moment ?

" Will you excuse me, also, in recommending
Lucretius to your perusal? I think antiquity has
nothing comparable to his lib. iii. from ver. 842 to
the end of the book : and the whole of his fifth book,
both as a philosophical and poetical effort, is an

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 305

admirable composition; not to mention any other
portions of his poem.

" I am, Sir,
" With the highest sentiments of esteem
" and respect,
" Your obliged servant,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, Wednesday.

" Sir,

" I return you many thanks for your letter
of the 2d instant; and shall accept with great
pleasure the books you propose sending to me.

" I always understood the final syllable of a verse
exactly as you do ; but, for the purpose of my argu-
ment, it was necessary to mention the effect only,
and not the cause, of the rule. Either your autho-
rity, or Mr. Knight's, much more both united, would
be quite sufficient to convince me, upon a question
relative to the Greek language. I only stated to you
some arguments which occurred to me on the other
side of the question, which, however, must lose all
their weight, if the authority of the old manuscripts
is any thing like so universally against them as you
seem to think. I see Stevens is inconsistent ; but I
think he oftener omits than inserts the final v, which
I had never observed till you started the subject.

" I had no doubt but political wisdom and know-
ledge were what you meant in your epigram ; but I

VOL. IV. X

806 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etxt. 49.

cannot help thinking that 'Ewr^opos and HeAio? lead
the mind a little to poetry, or, at least, to knowledge
in general ; and that Tal Ava-ovis and AO^vou do not
contribute to confine the sense to politics : in regard
to which, I agree with you in thinking that no nation
ever was sunk in more deep ignorance than we seem
to be at present ; for we are not only in the dark,
but have a kind of horror of the light.

" I have deferred reading Lucretius regularly
through again, till your edition is completed ; but he
is a poet with whom I am pretty well acquainted,
and whom I have always admired to the greatest
degree. The end of the third book is perfectly in my
memory, and deserves all you say of it. I do not at
present recollect the fifth quite so well.

" I am going, in a few days, into Norfolk, for some
weeks ; and I shall come back by London, where I
will call for the books which you are so good as to
intend sending me.

" I »m, with great regard,
"Sir,
" Your obedient servant,

"C.J. FOX.*

SAME TO SAME.
"St. Ann's Hill, Tuesday, January ZQtk, 1798.

" Sir,

" I have received the third volume of your
magnificent and beautiful Lucretius, for which I take

k.

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 307

■

the earliest opportunity of returning you my thanks.
I cannot help flattering myself that, now the work is
complete, it will be far more patronized than it has
hitherto been : but it must be allowed, that these
times are not favourable to expensive purchases of any
kind ; and I fear, also, that we may add, that the
political opinions we profess are far from being a
recommendation to general favour, among those, at
least, in whose power it is to patronize a work like
yours.

" I am at present rather engaged in reading Greek ;
as it is my wish to recover, at least, if not to improve,
my former acquaintance (which was but slight) with
that language : but it will not be long before I enter
regularly upon your Lucretius ; and when I do, if I
should find any difficulties which your notes do not
smooth, I shall take the liberty of troubling you for
further information; presuming upon the obliging
manner in which you satisfied some doubts of mine
upon a former occasion.

" I am, with great regard,
"Sir,
" Your obedient servant,

w c. J. FOX."

[A letter of Mr. Wakefield's, to which the following
is an answer, appears to be wanting.]

x 2

808 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 4

SAME TO SAME.

44 St. Ann's Hill, February 2nd, 1798.

"Sir,

" It is an instance of my forgetfulness, bul
I really thought I had acknowledged the receipt oi
the publications which you were so good as to send
me. Excepting the Pope, which I have not yet
looked into, I read the rest with great pleasure ; and
quite agree with you, that Bryant has made no case
at all upon the subject of the Trojan war. I cannot
refuse myself taking this opportunity of asking your
opinion relative to the 24th Iliad, whether or not it is
Homer's ? If it is, I think the passage about Paris
and the Goddesses must be an interpolation ; and if
it is not, by denying Homer the glory of Priam's
expedition from Troy, and interview with Achilles,
we take from him the most shining passages, perhaps,
in all his works.

" I am, Sir,
" Your obedient humble servant,

u C J. FOX."

" P. S. Though I have not begun to read Lucretius
regularly, yet I have dipped in it sufficiently to have
no apprehension of quoting the line of Phaedrus. I
think the elegiac verses to the poet are very classical
and elegant indeed; and, you know, we Etonians
hold ourselves (I do not know whether or not others
agree with us) of some authority, in matters of this
sort.

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 300

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

[The Note or Introduction to the following Observa-
tions, in answer to Mr. Fox's inquiry respecting
the 24th Iliad, is supposed to have been mislaid.]

" Ver. 1. The first syllable in Avto is made long,
in opposition to the practice of Homer in about a
dozen places ; and without another instance in the
two poems. Homer too, unless two distinct parties
are spoken of, uses in these cases faun-or and so
indeed other good writers, in both languages : and
on this I have touched somewhere in Lucretius. So
that the full construction is : Xaoi *otc. iewu em vrjas,
knaoros (eni ttjv ihav vrja). There is, indeed, one or two
instances of this deviation elsewhere, all tending to
confirm my general hypothesis, which I shall here-
after mention. The Scholiast in Villoison, at ver. 6,
mentions, that Aristophanes, and others, thought part
of this introduction spurious ; viz. verses 6, 7, 8, 9 ;
and they may be well spared.

" Ver. 14. cm (€v£cicv is an illegitimate construc-
tion. We might read CcvfcaKcv but such an error is
not easily accounted for, in so plain a case, from
transcribers.

" Ver. 15. The 5' is superfluous and impertinent ;
as Schol. Villois. also observes.

" Ver. 28. Macrobius, Saturn. V. 16, beyond the
middle, says, that Homer never mentions the Judg-
ment of Paris. The perfect acquaintance of the old

510 CORRESPONDENCE OF [uBtat. 49.

Grammarians with Homers works indubitably evinces
either the spuriousness of this passage, or an abjudi-
cation of this book from Homer's writings. The
antient critics discarded verr. 20, 21, and from ver.
23 — 30 inclusive : see Villoison's Scholiast.

" Ver. 44. This verse seems fabricated for the next,
which has no pertinency here, and is transferred from
Hesiod. Opp. et Dd. 316.

" Ver. 00. No similar instance, perhaps, in the
poem, to the lengthening of kcu so situated ; or to
that of 2A in &irotra t ver. 7.

" Verses 71, 72, 73, were rejected by some antient
critics.

" Ver. 79. MEIAANI. He uses this word and its
relatives, perhaps, two hundred times; but never
thus changes the first syllable.

" Verses 85, 86. Deemed spurious by the Antients.

" Verses 130, 1, 2, were rejected by old critics, for
divers weighty and grave reasons.

" Ver. 241. OTNE20' — a word no where else
found ; as t&<rir)v, ver. 235, once more only in the
Odyssey, though of a signification that might be
expected to produce a more frequent usage. Kar^ow
too, ver. 253, is &7ra£ Xeyo^evov and three or four
others.

" Ver. 293. €v only occurs in II. E. 427, which, in
such a word of perpetual demand, is very singular.

" Ver. 307. It is impossible that Homer, or a
contemporary using the same language, could employ-
as a dactyl the three first syllables of cisavtiav. The
word ib a), and all its compounds, had, in that age,

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 311

another letter prefixed to it — the iEolic digamma, or
Ionic Vau, which you please : by the latter name it
still keeps its station in the Hebrew alphabet, and
others, as the sixth in order ; and its figure, a double
Gamma, F, according to the former designation, in
the Latin alphabet. Homer therefore could never be
supposed to violate, in one instance, a propriety,
which he had sacredly observed in 999, and make
(isavFLbcov stand in a heroic verse. As the JEolians
and Dorians, who spoke kindred dialects, are known
to have been the first Graecian colonists in Italy,
hence it is, that the Latin language is mere ^Eolian
Greek engrafted on their indigenous tongue. On
this account, the loss of Ennius, and the first Latin
Poets, is more to be regretted, perhaps, than that of
any other writers ; because of the light they would
have thrown on the Greek and Latin languages.
Hence ifoa>, Fideo, i. e. video; «ro?, vetus; trvXos,
vitulm ; hrcpov, ventrem ; tax*), voco; «Aa>, volvo ;
and an infinity of others. The iEolians also, wherever
two vowels came together, inserted the digamma :
hence caov, ovum ; audit vel audiwi, &c. ; but, diva ;
o-icaio?, sccbvus ; vcos, novus ; vavs, navis, &c. Hence,
by the common substitution of an 8 for the aspirate,
as in k£, sex ; kin-a, septem ; and i\rj, silva ; ira<»>v,
pavo ; /3oos, bovis ; and in an infinity of others.
Eio-aj/f i8a>v, therefore, is the word either of another
age, or another province. This is a curious and
copious subject ; and furnishes the true medium of
correcting, adjusting, and discerning, Homer's poetry,
from the clearest analogy and indisputable premises.

812 CORRESPONDENCE OF [>Etat. 49.

No verse in Homer is genuine where a consonant
precedes tiros, ewro>, ava£, 4&a>, and many other words,
which began with a digamma. A single page of any
edition will show how miserably incorrect we read
him. If we had not ' fallen on such evil times and
evil tongues/ I should have exerted myself to give
editions of all the Greek Poets, from very ample
materials now collected, and of the old Lexico-
graphers : but —

' aliis post me memoranda relinquo.'

" Ver. 320. Two words with digammas ; one right
measure, ol 6e Fibovrts, i.e. videntes ; the other wrong,
vircp Foutt€os. (See verr. 327, 701.) From Faorv,
a city, I suppose, came vastus; on account of the
size of such places, and the large collection of men.
Hence Virgil receives illustration, Mn. V. 119.

' Ingentemque Gyas ingenti molt Chimseram,
Urbis opus .'

"Ver. 325. rerpaicvKkov. No similar instance, I
believe, of a vowel shortened before those consonants
in Homer ; by far more chaste in this respect than
succeeding Poets.

"Ver. 337. op n* fify. False quantity: amphi-
macer for a dactyl : see neighbouring verr. 332, 352,
366, to go no further.

"Ver. 354. Qpabcos voov Fcpya. Bad measure
again: verse 213, and others, are right in this
respect. Strong presumptions of more than one
finger in this pie.

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 313

"Verse 449. itoir)<r&v Fclvclkti : unquestionably wrong;
as ava£ is universally allowed to have the digamma
in Homer's time. Hence Phanix, <j>omko€is, puniceus,
a royal colour ; purpura reyum, purpurei tyranni,
regali ostro ; Virgil, and Horace, with all others.
The error is repeated in verse 452. There are
numerous faults of this kind in the common editions;
but they may be corrected by the omission of the
paragogic v : as verr. 238, 555, 646, 733, and
others.

" But to omit a more minute investigation of these
niceties, let me give you, in few words, an outline of
my theory respecting Homer.

" What is so well known with respect to every male-
factor tied up at Newgate ; (most detestable, flagitious
practice !) his ' birth, parentage, and education ; life,
character, and behaviour ; ' all are utterly unknown
of Homer ! We are at liberty, therefore, to frame
any hypothesis for the solution of the problem con-
cerning his poems, adequate to that effect, without
danger of contravening authentic and established
history. Now by^pos is an old Greek word for
tv<I>\os: see Hesych. and Lycophr. ver. 422. I take
HomeruSy then to have originated in the peculiarity
of a certain class of men (i.e. blindness), and not in
that of an individual. That bards were usually
blind, is not only probable from the account of
Demodocus in the Odyssey, but from the nature of
things. The memory of blind men, because of a less
distraction of their senses by external objects, is
peculiarly tenacious ; and such people had no means

314 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtax. 49.

of obtaining a livelihood but by this occupation. All
this is exemplified in fiddlers, &c. at this day. Now
the Trojan war (the first united achievement of the
Greeks) would of course become a favourite theme
with this class of men, who are known to have been
very numerous. Detached portions of this event,
such as the exploits of Diomed, of Agamemnon, the
Night Expedition, the Death of Hector, his redemp-
tion, &c, would be separately composed and sung,
as fitted, by their lengths, for the entertainment of a
company at one time : and we find, in fact, that the
parts of these poems are now distinguished, by
scholiasts, grammarians, and all such writers, by these
names, and not by books. These songs, bearing
date demonstrably before the use of alphabetic
characters in Greece, and when the dialect of the
civilized parts of Asia (Ionia and iEolia) was uniform,
could never be traced to their respective authors ;
and, in reality, we find from Herodotus, the first
Greek historian, that no more was known of this
Homer, nor so much, in his days (2, 3, 4, or 500
years after the event), as in our own. These songs
of blind men were collected and put together by some
skilful men (at the direction of Pisistratus, or some
other person), and woven, by interpolations, connect-
ing-verses, and divers modifications, into a whole.
Hence payfrybia. Here we see a reason for so many
repetitions: as every detached part, to be sung at
an entertainment, required a head and tail piece, as
necessary for an intelligible whole: and hence we
observe a reason for those unaccountable anomalies

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 815

of measure, and the neglect of the iEolic digamma,
from an ignorance of its power in those later times,
whether from new insertions, or from alterations in
the transmitted pieces, to effect regularity and conse-
cution. This accounts also for the glaring disparity
in some of the pieces : for nothing can be more
exquisite than what you so justly admire, the inter-
view of Priam and Achilles : and nothing more con-
temptible than the whole detail of the death of
Hector, and the reconciliation of Agamemnon and
Achilles. You are expecting a noble exhibition of
generosity and magnanimity on both sides, and you
are put off with a miserable tedious ditty about Ate.

" It is probable, from various particulars, that,
perhaps, as good a poem, if the opportunity had not
been lost (and the preservation of the Iliad and
Odyssey, under all circumstances, is nearly miraculous),
might have been transmitted on the subject of two
other events, which equally engaged the notice of the
early Greeks, — the Theban war, and the Argonautic
expedition. But we have no remains of these exploits,
but in the Tragic writers, the spurious Orpheus, and
the Roman Epic writers, except the entire poem of
Apollonius Rhodius on the latter subject."

MR FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ahk'8 Hill, February 16&, 1798.

" Sir,

"I should have been exceedingly sorry
if, in all the circumstances you mention, you had

316 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtlt. 49.

given yourself the trouble of writing me your thoughts
upon Homer's poetry ; indeed, in no circumstances,
should I have been indiscreet enough to make a
request so exorbitant : in the present, I should be
concerned if you were to think of attending even to
my limited question respecting the authenticity of
the 24th Iliad, or to any thing but your own
business.

"I am sorry your work is to be prosecuted ;
because though I have no doubt of a prosecution
failing, yet I fear it may be very troublesome to you.
If, either by advice or otherwise, I can be of any
service to you, it will make me very happy ; and I
beg you to make no scruple about applying to me :
but I do not foresee that I can, in any shape, be of
any use, unless it should be in pressing others, whom
you may think fit to consult, to give every degree of
attention to your cause. I suppose there can be
little or no difficulty in removing, as you wish it, the
difficulty from the Publisher to yourself; for to
prosecute a Printer, who is willing to give up his
Author, would be a very unusual and certainly a very
odious, measure.

" I have looked at the three passages you mention,
and am much pleased with them : I think ' curalium/
in particular, a very happy conjecture ; for neither
' coeruleum ' nor ' beryllum ' can, I think, be right ;
and there certainly is a tinge of red in the necks of
some of the dove species. After all, the Latin words
for colours are very puzzling : for, not to mention
f purpura/ which is evidently applied to three

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 317

different colours at least — scarlet, porphyry, and
what we call purple, that is, amethyst, and possibly
to many others — the chapter of Aulus Gellius to
which you refer has always appeared to me to create
many more difficulties than it removes ; and most
especially that passage which you quote, 'virides
equos.' I can conceive that a Poet might call a
horse ' viridis/ though I should think the term rather
forced ; but Aulus Gellius says, that Virgil gives the
appellation of ' glauci ' rather than ' ccerulei ' to the
virides equos, and consequently uses virides, not as if
it were a poetical or figurative way of describing a
certain colour of horses, but as if it were the usual
and most generally intelligible term. Now, what
colour usual to horses could be called viridis is difficult
to conceive ; and the more so, because there are no
other Latin and English words for colours which we
have such good grounds for supposing corresponding
one to the other as viridis and green, on account of
grass, trees, &c. &c. However, these are points which
may be discussed by us, as you say, at leisure, if
the system of tyranny should proceed to its maturity.
Whether it will or not, I know not ; but, if it should,
sure I am that to have so cultivated literature as to
have laid up a store of consolation and amusement,
will be, in such an event, the greatest advantage
(next to a good conscience) which one man can have
over another. My judgment, as well as my wishes,
leads me to think that we shall not experience such
dreadful times as you suppose possible ; but, if we
do not, what has passed in Ireland is a proof, that it

818 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 49.

is not to the moderation of our governors that we
shall be indebted for whatever portion of ease or
liberty may be left us.

" I am, Sir,
" Your most obedient servant,

•* c. J. FOX."

SAME TO SAME.

" St. Ajin'b Hill, February 23rd, 1798.

" Sir,

" Nothing, but your stating yourself to be
in some degree at leisure now, could justify my
troubling you with the long and, perhaps, unintelligible
scrawl which I send with this. I most probably have
shown much ignorance, and certainly some presump-
tion, in seeming to dispute with you, upon points of
which you know so much, and I so little : all I can
say in my defence is, that disputing is sometimes a
way of learning.

" I have not said anything yet upon the question
which you seem to have thought most upon — whether
the Iliad is the work of one, or more authors ? I
have, for the sake of argument, admitted it ; but yet,
I own, I have great doubts, and even lean to an
opinion different from yours. I am sure the in-
equality of excellence is not greater than in ' Paradise
Lost/ and many other poems written confessedly by
one author. I will own to you, also, that in one,
only, of the instances of inequality which you state,
I agree with you. Ath is detestable ; but I cannot

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 319

think as you do of the death of Hector. There are
parts of that book, and those closely connected with
the death of Hector, which I cannot help thinking
equal to any thing.

"It is well for you that my paper is at an
end, and that I have not the conscience to take a
new sheet.

" Your humble servant,

" c. J. POX."
[Indoud in the above.]

"Ver. 1. I agree in the objection to Avro, and
am not satisfied with Clarke's account of it; and,
besides, there is something of a baldness, or of an
affected conciseness, in beginning a narration in
those words, very unlike Homer, or, if you please,
the 'Oprjpoi. 'Ekootoi for iKaoTos is so small an error
in writing, that it affords little ground for an objec-
tion, or even a doubt.

" Verses 6, 7, 8, 9, may be left out, or not, without
affecting the authenticity of the book.

"Ver. 14. I have not skill enough in the lan-
guage to judge whether your objection to fafatv
be unanswerable ; but I know no answer to it.

"Ver. 15. The 6' is easily to be got rid of,
and is one of the most natural mistakes in the
transcribers.

" Ver. 28. Macrobius's authority appears to me
to be decisive, to prove that this passage is an inter-
polation since his time; and consequently destroys
the argument built upon this passage against the

i

320 CORRESPONDENCE OP [JBtai. tt

book itself, upon other parts of which he has com-
mented.

" I do not know why the antient critics discarded
verses 20 and 21 ; nor do I think it material whether
they are retained or not.

"Verses 44 and 45, I agree, had better be away;
but I know not whether there be any authority for
discarding them.

" Verse 60. The lengthening of kcu in this place
does appear to me very awkward ; and, if there are
/ no similar instances, must be an error : besides, the

f mythology of this passage is quite new to me : I

| mean Juno's having nursed Thetis.

"As to the <ra in verse 70, I cannot help thinking
there are many instances of syllables being length-
ened in such situations ; and, at any rate, it is one
of the verses which you say some critics reject. Pro-
bably from want of memory, but I have some doubt
i about the word oiroaa being a Homeric word : it is

certainly much oftener 6<ra.

"Verses 71, 72, 73, I had rather were away;
but, as I said before, I do not know the authority
for leaving them out. '

" Verse 79. MciAaw is indeed a most suspicious
word, and I have nothing to say for it.

"Verses 85, 86. I cannot see any objection to
! them ; but, as before, I do not know the authorities

or arguments for or against them.

"Verses 130, 131, 132, appear to me to be much
in Homer's style; and I should certainly be for
keeping them, if there is nothing against them but

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 821

Eustathius's saying the passage was rejected by some
of the Antients.

" Ver. 241. Ovv*<r0' always puzzled me ; nor do I
know rightly what it means. I do not quite agree
in thinking c&o-irj of such a signification as to make
the rare use of it very surprising. As to rf, it is
certainly used once more than you are aware of —
ci irm ev TTrfiboiTo, (I believe in the T,) and therefore
may possibly be oftener. In the place I quote, it
means sui, not cujus, as here; and so it means
ejus in the E. 427 : but this, I think, makes no
difference.

" Ver. 307. The three first syllables of «o-ai/i3o>i;,
or, as you write it, cio-ai/fiW, cannot (as you say,
and 1 believe Knight says the same) have been used
by the 'OwpoL as a dactyl ; and no verse can be a
genuine Homeric verse, where the digamma is (if I
may use such an expression) slighted in that manner.
I must be excused, till further informed, from giving
an unqualified assent to this proposition. If the
proportion of instances on one side and the other
were, as you seem to state, nine hundred and ninety-
nine to one, I should not hesitate ; but, I confess,
I suspect this to be far from the true state of the
fact. I have not looked into the Iliad since I
received your letter, except to the X2 ; but I recol-
lected immediately four instances — three of them in
one book, the r, and one in the A. In A, o</>/>*

iXcurcmncff avanra ; in T, €t tis iboiro ; and two in one

line —

Ov totc ?', «S* OSwifos ary <r<rapt(t ct8os i9orr*s :
VOL. IV. Y

822 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEyat.

besides, cpy ei8wa is familiar to my ear, though I <
not know where particularly to look for it.

"In the Odyssey, there are three instances
the space of fifty lines in the A, in the verses 52
549, 560. The first of these three has, I coi
fess, the air of a spurious line; the second migl
be remedied by taking away a 6* but without tl
6' the construction would be hard, and unlil
Homer: but the third cannot well, I think, h
altered ; and it is the more remarkable, on accour
of the digamma being respected in the same lint
bevpo ava£ Iv wos, &c. There is also, in the Odyss. N
the word Tr/xxnSorrcu, which, I should conceive, coul<
hardly be altered to Trpoibiowai without changing tb
sense. If these which I have mentioned were ai
the instances, I admit they would not much signify
but as those from the Iliad have occurred to m<
memoriter only, and those from the Odyssey from \
very slight investigation of a very small part of th<
poem, I cannot help supposing there may be founc
many hundreds of them ; so that I can hardly con
ceive the proportion to be any thing like what yoi
'suppose, — especially as all the cases of the paragogic \
preceding the digamma make neither for one side noi
the other, but must be thrown out of the question, as
perfectly neutral. I should hardly think you woulc
(and I am sure Knight would not) consent to take
away from Homer, and give to his collectors, oi
joiners, or botchers, the r and the X2 of the Iliad
and the A of the Odyssey ; and this to make the
cobbler superior to the original artist or artists. Ac

179a] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 323

cording to your system, you may possibly say, that
those parts where the digamma is uniformly re-
spected were written by older poets; those where
it is sometimes slighted, by more modern : but what
if it should appear to be nearly equally respected
and slighted in the different parts of the poem?
Now my hypothesis, if I dared to form one, would
be this ; and (every man loves his own best, — n\v
avrov <t>i\€€i kcu Krjberm) it appears to me more rea-
sonable than any that I have yet heard. I suppose
this digamma, at one period at least, not to have had
the decided sound which belongs in general to con-
sonants; and, consequently, that the poets of that
period, the 'Opqpoi, thought themselves at liberty to
sound it more or less, and consequently to treat it in
the manner most convenient to their verse. If it
was sounded sometimes more, and sometimes less, it
might naturally happen that, in process of time, one
dialect, viz., the Latin, might erect it into a decided
consonant v ; and others, viz., the Attic, &c, might
wholly drop it. Thus in modern Italian, in the word
novo, an egg, the u is pronounced at Florence in a
manner very difficult to be imitated by foreigners,
and which makes it appear to be something between
a vowel and a consonant ; but in other parts of Italy,
where the language is corrupted, it is in some wholly
dropped, and the word is pronounced ovo ; in others,
it is made a complete consonant, and sounded vovo.
This may be, and probably is, a fanciful theory of my
own ; but, I own, I feel great reluctance to cut the
Iliad and Odyssey to pieces, and to give them, not

T 2

1 798.] . CHARLES JAMES FOX. 325

times right and wrong in the same verse, which pro-
bably was all made by one author."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

" Hackney, February 25th, 1798.

" Sir,

"The best argument against Homer, and
for my hypothesis, appears in my general observa-
tions, prefixed to Pope's Odyssey, in the edition
which I prepared for the Booksellers ; and of which
I have but one copy for myself, or I should long
since have requested your acceptance of the work.
Certainly, if any thing like your opinion, with respect
to the digamma, could be established, the early
Greek Poets, instead of meriting the encomiums of
all antiquity for their correctness, must be deemed
the mos? capricious and irregular of all writers , and
emendatory criticism upon them can be modelled by
no rules of analogy whatever : whereas their modes
of expression are so precise and congenial, that the
direct contrary appears to be the truth.

" The detached lamentations of the several charac-
ters at the end of II. X2. have a very formal appear-
ance ; and much the air of an attempt from different
bards to shew their skill upon the same subject. In
collections of Greek epigrams, and in some works
of the later Sophists, you find compositions intro-
duced with such commas as these : ' What sort of
exclamation Achilles would use on the death of
Patroclus ? ' &c. and then follows a specimen of the
author's talents in that way.

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 829

execute any thing much better than my Lucretius,
till the burden of that publication is a good deal
more alleviated, my pen never meddles with such
subjects again, to the end of my days.

" Sir ! my former apologies must serve me for
stopping more abruptly than I could wish, and for
subscribing myself here, with every sentiment of
respect,

" Your obedient servant,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

" St. Ani^b Hill> March 16*A, 1798.

" Sir,

" I deferred answering your last Letter, in
order to have time to read over attentively some
part of Homer, with a view to the digamma. I
have read, since I wrote last, ten books of the
Odyssey, from H to * inclusive ; and find in them
eighty-five instances where the digamma is neglected.
It is true that, in many of these, the fault, if it be
one, is easily corrected ; but then the question arises,
if the instances are so numerous, What reason have
we to think that there is any error or occasion for
correction ? I will admit, however, that the result of
my attention to the subject is, that with the old poet,
or poets, whom we call Homer, the natural and
common course seems to have been, to consider
words beginning with the F like words beginning
with a consonant ; but then the numerousness of

830 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 49.

the instances to the contrary, and, above all, the
circumstance of those instances being spread pretty
equally over those books to which I have attended,
raise great doubts in my mind, whether words
beginning with F were not occasionally considered as
words beginning with a vowel. Nor can I agree
that this supposition would make the old writers so
capricious as you seem to think : for, in fact, it only
supposes them to have treated the digamma as
unquestionably they treated the aspirate c ; before
which short vowels are sometimes cut off, sometimes
left standing ; long vowels and diphthongs some-
times shortened (though by the way very rarely),
sometimes left long; and syllables ending with
consonants sometimes retain the shortness natural
to them, at other times not. What you say upon
the three instances I quoted memoriter from the
Iliad is very satisfactory, especially as the alteration
to l\a*oiic<r0a is, you say, warranted by an old edition :
and, indeed, the whole of this question must at last
be decided by a reference to such editions and to
manuscripts ; in regard to both which I am un-
commonly ignorant, never having read Homer in
any other editions than the Glasgow and Clarke's.
I have indeed occasionally looked at a very few
passages in H. Stephens's edition of him among
the Greek Poets ; but, with this single exception, I
know nothing of any other text but Clarke's (for the
Glasgow is a transcript from him), nor of any other
Comments or Scholia than those which he has cited.
What you have said has raised in me an ardent

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 881

curiosity to look into the old editions ; and I shall
endeavour, in the course of the year, to visit some
libraries where there are collections of them. The
lamentations in the 12 of the Iliad are certainly
rather formal in the manner in which they are intro-
duced, unless one supposes them to be a part of a
sort of funeral ceremony. In regard to the short
syllable before the mute and the />, I have found but
one instance (proper names excepted) in the ten
books I have just read ; and in that there seems to
be some error ; the word is baKpvoun in Od. 2 ver.
172 ; but I recollect, in other parts of Homer to
have read, more than once, hJbpvnyra kcu fiPrjv. ANfyo-
ttjto, as I believe it is sometimes written, would only
increase the difficulty. I am sensible that if we
consider the diphthongs ot and at as short syllables,
the number of instances I have quoted of the neglect
of the will be something (not greatly) diminished.
Reiske, in his Notes on Theocritus, is positive
these syllables are sometimes short, and were so
used by Homer; and I suspect that all you, who
think the attention to the F the criterion of authen-
ticity, are of his opinion ; else the famous passage in
II. T. quoted by Longinus for its sublimity, must be
given up, on account of

ck Bpovov oAro km /tax*.

" I am very much concerned at your Lucretius
meeting with so little encouragement as you say ;
and I feel the more, because I cannot help thinking
that part of the prejudice, which occasions so

832 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 49.

unaccountable a neglect, is imputable to the honour
you have done me by the dedication of it — an
honour, I assure you, that I shall always most highly
value.

" I am, Sir,

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

MR WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

Hackney, March 7 th* 1798.

Sir,

" It is most certain, that anomalies and in-
consistencies of all kinds are much more frequent in
the Odyssey than the Iliad, from a cause which is in
favour of an hypothesis that receives countenance in
proportion to our ability of approximation to antient
sources ; i.e. the fewer transcripts of that poem com-
pared with the Iliad, on account of the less interest
which all ages have taken in its favour ; for it is an
acknowledged position, that those authors are most
corrupt of which the fewest MSS. have been pre-
served. Now, where old editions and MSS. enable
us to rectify so many of these irregularities without
violence, the presumption is very strong in our
favour, from the great antiquity of Homer : for MSS.
five times as old as any now in being, would be
modern in comparison of the oldest MS. of Virgil,
and most other authors. I have marked in my

* Although some mistake appears in the date of this or the preceding
Letter, Mr. Wakefield's is evidently an answer to the preceding of
Mr. Fox. Probably the date of this should be March 17th.

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 833

margin all the violations of the theory of the
digamma, but have never numbered them. I should
suppose that many of your instances would be accom-
modated by an omission of the final v, or some other
simple process ; remembering always, that the little
words V and f form no exceptions ; and such sounds
were not harsher, I presume, than fifakvpos, ySotnnyo-e,
and some others. Nor must we forget how all traces
of antiquity, in numerous other instances, have been
so obliterated by the prepossessions and ignorance
of successive transcribers through many ages, as to
leave the truth in some cases absolutely irrecoverable :
of which, even with relation to Latin orthography, I
have given many instances in my Notes on Lucretius.
What you urge upon the variations of quantity from
the influence of the aspirate seems very pertinent :
but I am partly inclined to believe these discordances
to be imaginary, and the offspring of an inaccurate
attention to specific instances. I do not despair of
pointing out reasons for these variations from general
rules ; but these studies are really in their infancy,
and will continue so, till better forms of government
leave the human race at large more leisure to culti-
vate their intellects. Besides, we may well believe,
from numerous deductions, a theory to be legitimate;
though, in the midst of so much darkness and incon-
venience, and after so long an interval, no sagacity be
equal to a satisfactory solution of every contradiction ;
but, in truth, nothing can be done with any proper
and adequate nicety in this way without the First
Editions, and a great variety of them; in which

334 COBRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 49.

respect I labour under very discouraging impedi-
ments ; though, all circumstances considered, I have
but little doubt of being able to claim for myself the
merit of having collected, without gross imprudence
or injustice to my family, from mere personal self-
denial of reasonable indulgences, considering my
income, the best comparative library of any man in
this country. Bentley's note on Caliim. Hymn. Jup.
87. has long since set at rest the old controversy on
the quantity of the diphthongs <h and «, with all those
who do not, like Reiske, bid defiance to all quantity
whatsoever : and yet Primatt, in his book on Accents,
seems never to have met with that note of Bentley.
The instances of syllables short, in Homer, before
two consonants of any kind, I meant to state as
exceedingly few, much fewer than in any author after
him. To the best of my recollection, Dionysius, in
his Periegesis, approaches nearest to Homer's purity
in this peculiarity of smooth versification.

" Most of the specimens of the violated digamma in
tax** may be readily and naturally adjusted : your ex-
ample from II. T. 62. is of a very untractable quality;
and whatever assurance we may feel, in our own
minds, of the general validity of a theory, it were
very unreasonable to expect acquiescence from a
neutral reader in an emendation not recommended by
the utmost facility and probability. What I have
to offer here, is this : the Schol. in Villois. tells us,
that some read a>pro ; I say, perhaps a>pero should be
substituted, which is a word of Homer's also : but a
too ready persuasion that it was a variety for dAxo

1798.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 835

instead of ia\€ would soon turn vpero into upro.
Suppose, then, — « Spovov akro Kai <op€To — ' leapt from
his throne in great bustle and perturbation. 9 Now
no word whatever could better represent Virgil's
trepidant in the parallel passage, than this : whereas
«*x€ has, in the Roman, at present no counterpart.
Further : Eustathius says on the passage, A«<ras tf, c*
Opovov hXro kcu vnepOopcv rj tax*. If I were not in quest
of a particular object, I should say, that rj and *<u
must be transposed ; and then the common reading
is right : but you must allow me the advantage of
this variety ; from which I have surely as much right
to reason, as another man can have to an arbitrary
correction against the copies. If the copies of Eusta-
thius be correct, it is demonstration that some word
equivalent to tax* (which, in that case, from a mar-
ginal gloss, has insinuated itself into the text) is
corrected in i-ncpOopw which the measure rejects.
Now a word not essentially different from the former
vpTo and this of Eustathius, either in letters or enun-
ciation, would be most probable. Suppose, then,

eic Bpovov a\ro kcu flPTE :

Made a loud bawl. Now the lexicons would make
you believe, that this word is only used of beasts,
dogs, and wolves (See my Notes on Bion, i. 18) ; but
Antip. Sidon. epig. 8, employs it of the roaring of
the sea ; and Pindar, 01. ix. 163, of a man.

"Sir, it gives me real concern, that you should
suppose my notice of you in my Lucretius should
have proved injurious to the reception of that work.

836 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 43.

Believe me, nothing can be more unnecessary and
unsubstantial than your solicitude on this head. My
former publications were alone a proof, from/ac/, of
what I allege ; which makes me the more decisive in
my assertion. I am satisfied, that no man on earth,
at all similarly situated, was ever less obnoxious to
his political antagonists than you are : and nothing
but a persuasion in me, rooted on long and attentive
observation, that you had qualities which secured you
from the disaffection of every heart tolerably huma-
nised, could have induced me to pay you that trivial
token of my respect with such perfect acquiescence ;
a token of respect which I shall contemplate, I know,
with increasing satisfaction to the end of life. I am
glad, however, that I can gratulate you on escaping
the inauspicious omen of the Scriptures : " Woe !
unto you, when all men speak well of you : " and
yet I should not be surprised, if the times mend so
much, and such opportunities for a fuller and freer
display of yourself present themselves, as actually to
excite some apprehension and mistrust in me in con-
sequence of the universal and unqualified approbation
of the world. When that takes place, perhaps, I may
set my wits at work to find out some erratum in the
copies of that verse. At present, I must own that
such solicitude is not absolutely necessary.

" But the copies of my Lucretius are not numerous ;
and I know it must make its way in time against all
personal and political opposition, especially when
known on the Continent. Mr. Steevens, editor of
Shakspeare, who, though a friend of mine, can

1799:} CHAKLES JAMES FOX. 357

scarcely endure one of my opinions ; an excellent
classical scholar, and a most severe censor; who
detected, I think, 900 errors in the Heyne's Virgil,
lately published in London, and corrected by Porson ;
pronounced, in my hearing, at a bookseller's, last
week, my large-paper Lucretius to be the most mag-
nificent and correct work of its kind that had yet
appeared. One was ordered for the King's Library
last week.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your most obedient servant,

u GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

" Sir,

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

St. Akn'b Hill, March lxt, 1799.

it

" Although I am wholly without any re-
sources, even of advice, and much more of power, to
offer you my services upon the present occasion, yet
I cannot help troubling you with a few lines, to tell
you how very sincerely concerned I am at the event
of your trial.

" The liberty of the press I considered as virtually
destroyed by the proceedings against Johnson and
Jordan ; and what has happened to you I cannot but
lament therefore the more, as the sufferings of a man
whom I esteem, in a cause that is no more,

" I have been reading your Lucretius, and have
nearly finished the second volume ; it appears to me
to be by far the best publication of any classical
author : and if it is an objection with some persons,

VOL. IV. Z

888 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 50.

that the great richness and variety of quotation and
criticism in the Notes takes off, in some degree, the
attention from the Text, I am not one of those who
will ever complain of an editor for giving me too
much instruction and amusement.

" I am, with great regard,

" and all possible good wishes,

" Sir,
" Your most obedient servant,

* c. J. POX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Hackney, March 2nd, 1799.

" Sir,

" Your kind attention at this time is pecu-
liarly gratifying and consoling ; but wholly congenial
to that benevolence of disposition, which is the
brightest jewel in all the accomplishments of
humanity. My defence, though unsuccessful, was,
in the opinion of my best friends, entirely consonant
to my character. Some parts, I am aware, would be
thought, by men of the world, severe and imprudent
to excess ; but such persecution for such things fills
me, I own, with a degree of indignation and sorrow,
to which no words appear to my mind capable of
doing justice. Your approbation of my Lucretius is
also particularly grateful to me.

" I am, Sir,
" with every sentiment of esteem,

" Your obedient servant,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 839

MR. FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

- St. Ann's Hill, June 9th, 1799.

" Sir,

" Nothing could exceed the concern I felt
at the extreme severity (for such it appears to me) of
the sentence pronounced against you.

" I should be apprehensive, that the distance of
Dorchester must add considerably to the difficulties
of your situation ; but should be very glad to learn
from you that it is otherwise.

" If any of your friends can think of any plan for
you, by which some of the consequences of your con-
finement may be in any degree lessened, I should be
very happy to be in any way assisting in it. From
some words that dropped from you, when I saw you,
I rather understood that you did not feel much incli-
nation to apply to your usual studies in your present
situation ; otherwise it had occurred to me, that some
publication, on a less expensive plan than the Lucre-
tius, and by subscription, might be eligible, for the
purpose of diverting your mind, and for serving your
family ; but of this you are the best judge : and all I
can say is, that I shall always be happy to show the
esteem and regard with which I am,

" Sir,
" Your most obedient servant,

" c. J. FOX.

u

Rev. Gilbert Wakefield, King'* Bench Pri$<m."

z 2

840 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 50.

SAME TO SAME.

"St. Ann's Hill, June 10th, 1799.

" Sir,

" Within a few hours after I wrote to you
yesterday, a gentleman called, who informed me that
a scheme had been formed for preventing some of the
ill consequences of your imprisonment, and upon a
much more eligible plan than that which I suggested.
Of course, you will not think any more of what I said
upon that subject ; only that, if you do employ your-
self in writing during your confinement, my opinion
is, that, in the present state of things, literature is,
in every point of view, a preferable occupation to
politics.

" I have looked at my Roman Virgil, and find that
it is printed from the Medicean MS. as I supposed.
The verses regarding Helen, in the second book, are
printed in a different character, and stated to be
wanting in the MS.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

" E. B. wapa IIAotmp : June 10th, 1799.

" Sir,

" I am very highly gratified by your atten-
tion to me, as the attention of one whom I love and
reverence.

" In the present distraction of my mind, much

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 841

enhanced by the consternation into which I am
thrown by hearing this moment of the unexpected
sentence on Lord Thanet and Mr. Ferguson, I am
scarcely capable of answering your kind inquiries in a
proper manner ; and therefore beg leave to inclose a
letter, received last night, which I am sure will give
pleasure to a heart so interested, not in my welfare
only, but in that of all his species : that letter you
will be so kind as to return. What I particularly
meditate is a Greek and English Lexicon, at a sub-
scription of a guinea and a-kalf : but of this plan I
shall judge better when I see the place of my desti-
nation, whither I expect to be transported in a few
days.

"My sentence is not to be ranked among the
calamities of human life : but it is a very serious in-
convenience to us on many accounts, and on none
more than a separation from a numerous band of the
most affectionate and virtuous and disinterested
friends, of both sexes, that it ever fell to the lot of
any family to possess.

" By the time in which my confinement will expire,
I trust a prospect will be opened of calling you from
your beloved retirement, to a theatre of more exten-
sive usefulness, alike adapted to the amplitude of
your talents, and the benevolence of your disposition.

" I am, Sir,
" with every sentiment of esteem,
" Your obedient servant,

" GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

S42 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 50.

MR POX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, Jume 12th, 1799.

" Sir,

" I return you your friend's letter, which
gave me great satisfaction. The sentence upon Lord
Thanet and Ferguson is, all things considered, most
abominable; but the speech accompanying it is, if
possible, worse.

I think a Lexicon in Greek and English is a work
much wanted ; and if you can have patience to
execute such a work, I shall consider it a great
benefit to the cause of literature. I hope to hear
from you that your situation at Dorchester is not
worse, at least, than you expected; and when I
know you to be in a state of perfect ease of mind
(which at this moment could not be expected), I will,
with your leave, state to you a few observations,
which I just hinted to you when I saw you, upon
Porson's Note to his Orestes, regarding the final v.

" I am, with great regard,
" Sir,

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

MR WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

"Kino's Bench, June lith, 1799.

" Sir,

" I set out for Dorchester to-morrow or
Monday ; and shall be glad, at all times and in any
place, to receive communications from you, upon

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 343

points of criticism, or any other within my sphere.
In the meantime, two of my brothers have been
down to reconnoitre the place ; and from their report
I collect, clearly, that this transportation thither was
intended to be nothing less than a Cold-Bath Fields'
business. It so happens, that in the small premises
belonging to the governor, alias keeper, alias gaoler,
a small lodging-room is to be obtained ; whether
with or without a fire-place I have hitherto forgotten
to inquire ; but with no accommodation for books,
beyond a pocket-full or so : of course every plan of
any laborious undertaking in literature is totally
abandoned, and indeed every object of study beyond
an author such as Homer, who is pretty much con-
centered within himself. The intercourse even with
my family, as far as I understand, will be partial and
restrained; so that if a former occupant had been
equal to that room in the house, nothing but a cell,
in a most detestable building (to my Brothers' fancies),
would have remained for myself. Upon the whole,
considering the great inconveniences of an entire
removal, and dissolution of our former residence, I
am not sure, whether the Bastile, for the same time,
might not have been as eligible. And as I was never
able to pursue any literary object without a comfort-
able disposition of external circumstances, I must
postpone what projects I had entertained in that way
to a more convenient season, if I should live to see
it ; and content myself with the amusements of my
family, and occasional intercourse with my friends by
letter or in person.

844 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEiat. 50.

" My defence, and other memorials of this prosecu-
tion, which I thought it a part of my duty not to
leave unrecorded, will be left for your acceptance,
with a book which Lord Holland lent me.
" I am, Sir, with the truest respect,

" Your obliged servant,

* GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

St. Ann's Htll, June 27 tk, 1799.

Sir,

" In consequence of a letter which Lord
Holland showed me, I have written to Lord Shaftes-
bury and to Lord Ilchester, who are both very
humane men, and would, I should hope, be happy to
do anything that may make your situation less
uneasy.

4t I am, Sir,

" Yours ever,

*c. J. FOX."

MR WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

" Dorchester Gaol, September 6th, 1799.

" Sir,

" The courier of this day communicates to
me the very unwelcome intelligence of an injury
received by you, from the bursting of your gun.
Assure yourself, Sir, that your oldest and warmest
friends feel not a more lively interest in all your
pains and pleasures than myself, nor will rejoice more

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 845

at your recovery. And will you do me the justice to
believe, that I would not have taken the trouble of
submitting the following passage of Cicero to your
consideration, but from an absolute conviction of your
magnanimity and benevolence, and love of truth ;
and from an entire confidence in your candour, for
assigning no motive to this intrusion, but an ardent
desire of your approximation as nearly as possible to
my own, perhaps visionary and mistaken, notions of
perfection ? — ' Ego autem, quam diu respublica per
eos gerebatur, quibus se ipsa commiserat, omnes
meas curas cogitationesque in earn conferebam : cum
autem dominatu unius omnia tenerentur, neque esset
usquam consilio aut auctoritati locus ; socios denique
tuendae reipublicae, summos viros, amisissem ; nee me
angoribus dedidi, quibus essem confectus, nisi iis
restitissem, nee rursum indignis homine docto

VOLUPTATIBUS.' Off. U. 1.

" Am I, Sir, indecently presumptuous and free,
am I guilty of a too dictatorial officiousness, in pro-
nouncing THOSE PLEASURES TO MISBECOME A MAN OF

letters, which consist in mangling, maiming, and
depriving of that invaluable and irretrievable blessing,
its existence, an inoffensive pensioner on the universal
bounties of the common Feeder and Protector of all
his offspring ?

" I remain, Sir,
" Your obliged and respectful friend,

•'GILBERT WAKEFIELD/'

346 CORRESPONDENCE OP [^Etat. 50.

MR. FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.
"No. 11, Saokttlle Street, September Utk, 1799.

" Sir,

" I assure you I take very kindly your
letter, and the quotation in it. I think the question
of ' How far field sports are innocent amusements ?'
is nearly connected with another, upon which, from
the title of one of your intended works, I suspect
you entertain opinions rather singular; for if it is
lawful to kill tame animals with whom one has a sort
of acquaintance, such as fowls, oxen, &c, it is still
less repugnant to one's feelings to kill wild animals ;
but then to make a pastime of it — I am aware there
is something to be said on this point. On the other
hand, if example is allowed to be anything, there
is nothing in which all mankind, civilised or savage,
have more agreed, than in making some sort of chace
(for fishing is of the same nature) part of their busi-
ness or amusement. However, I admit it to be a
very questionable subject : at all events, it is a very
pleasant and healthful exercise. My wound goes on,
1 believe, very well ; and no material injury is appre-
hended to the hand ; but the cure will be tedious,
and I shall be confined in this town for more weeks
than I had hoped ever to spend days here. I
am much obliged to you for your inquiries, and
am,

" Sir,
" Your most obedient servant,

" C. J. FOX."

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 347

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, September 20th, 1799.

" Sir,

" I am unwilling to increase the inconve-
niences of your present situation, and have therefore
not been solicitous of immediately acknowledging
your favour ; nor do I by any means wish you to
incommode yourself, in the least degree, by noticing
this, or any other similar intrusion from me.

" With your leave, the question of animal food
(from which the purest philosophers in all ages have
abstained, the Pythagoreans, Bramins, Essenes, and
others) is no more involved in that of rural sports, as
commonly pursued, than the question of racks and
tortures is connected with that of capital punishments.
I would not now state, ' Is it lawful and expedient to
kill animals at all ?' but, ' Is it philosophical and
humane to leave numbers of them to perish by pain
and hunger, or to occasion the remainder of their
lives to be perilous and miserable ?' for such, I pre-
sume, are the inevitable consequences of shooting in
particular. As for hunting ; to see a set of men
exulting in the distresses of an inoffensive animal,
with such intemperate and wild triumph, is to me the
most irrational and degrading spectacle in the world ;
and an admirable prolusion to those delectable opera-
tions which are transacting in Holland and else-
where !

" In reading Ovid's Tristia (to my fancy, the first

848 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 50.

Poet of all Antiquity) with my children, the other
morning, (who, with my wife, are forbidden by the
justices to come to me more than four days in a
week, from ten o'clock to six,) I thought an error,
not yet discovered, to occupy the introductory lines : —

Parve, nee io video, sine me, Liber ! ibis in urbem ;

Hei mihi ! quo domino non licet ire tao.
Vade, sed incultus ; qualem deeet exsulis esse :

Infelix habitum temporis hujus habe.

By the bye, I have observed, (and mention, I think,
somewhere in Lucretius,) that the Poets never used
nee, but always neque, before a word beginning with
a vowel : in the first verse, therefore, it should be
'neque in video/ But is there not something awkward
and obscure, at first, in the construction of the third?
The final 8 is written in MSS. after a manner likelv
to occasion errors ; as incultu*. I read, therefore,

Vade; sod in cuUu qualem decet exsulis esse.

"With my most cordial wishes for your speedy
recovery, and less desolation in that kingdom, which
one of my pupils, in construing that noble passage in
the third Georgic, — (from which Gray has borrowed,
in his Elegy,

' Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind, 1 )

Et stabula adspectans regnis excessit avitis,

called the kingdom of birds.

" I remain, Sir,
"Your most respectful and obliged friend,

* "GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 349

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, October 22nd, 1799.

" Sir,

" I believe I had best not continue the
controversy about field sports ; or at least, if I do, I
must have recourse, I believe, to authority and
precedent, rather than to argument ; and content
myself with rather excusing, than justifying them.
Cicero says, I believe, somewhere, ' Si quern nihil
delectaret nisi quod cum laude et dignitate conjunctum
foret, .... huic homini ego fortasse, et pauci, Deos
propitios, plerique iratos putarent.' But this is said,
I am afraid, in defence of a libertine, whose public
principles, when brought to the test, proved to be as
unsound, as his private life was irregular. By the
way, I know no speech of Cicero's more full of
beautiful passages than this is (pro M. Caelio), nor
where he is more in his element. Argumentative
contention is what he by no means excels in ; and he
is never, I think, so happy, as when he has an oppor-
tunity of exhibiting a mixture of philosophy and
pleasantry; and especially, when he can interpose
anecdotes, and references to the authority of the
eminent characters in the history of his country.
No man appears, indeed, to have had such real respect
for authority as he ; and therefore, when he speaks
on that subject, he is always natural, and in earnest ;
and not like those among us y who are so often declaim-
ing about the wisdom of our ancestors, without know-

850 CORRESPONDENCE OF [««Etai. 50-

ing what they mean, or hardly ever citing any par-
ticulars of their conduct, or of their dicta.

" I showed your proposed alteration in the Tristia
to a very good judge, who approved of it very much.
I confess, myself, that I like the old reading best,
and think it more in Ovid's manner ; but this,
perhaps, is mere fancy. I have always been a great
reader of him, and thought myself the greatest
admirer he had, till you called him the first Poet of
Antiquity, which is going even beyond me. The
grand and spirited style of the Iliad ; the true nature
and simplicity of the Odyssey ; the poetical language
(far excelling that of all other Poets in the world) of
the Georgics, and the pathetic strokes in the iEneid,
give Homer and Virgil a rank, in my judgment,
clearly above all competitors ; but next after them I
should be very apt to class Ovid, to the great scandal,
I believe, of all who pique themselves upon what is
called purity of taste. You have somewhere compared
him to Euripides, I think ; and I can fancy I see a
resemblance in them. This resemblance it is, I sup-
pose, which makes one prefer Euripides to Sophocles ;
a preference which, if one were writing a dissertation,
it would be very difficult to justify. Euripides leads
one to Porson, who, as I told you, is not content with
putting the final v as others have put it, before
him, but adopts it even when the following word
begins with a mute and a liquid: and that he
does this merely from a desire to differ as widely
from you as possible, is evident. In his Note
on verse 64 of the Orestes, are the words which I

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 851

will copy and inclose. Now the cases of prepositions
in compound words being made long, appear to me
not very rare ; though rare being an indefinite word,
it is difficult to ascertain precisely the force he gives
to it : but of the final vowel being long, of which he
thinks there are no instances, there are a great many ;
at least I must suppose so, as I recollect several from
mere memory. But, what is most to the purpose,
there is one in his Hecuba which I must suppose to
be ' indubiae fidei ; ' as he was so far from stating it
as a suspicious passage, that he did not point it out
even as a remarkable one. It is verse 589 :

A Bvyarep, ovk ottf cu 6, TI fikftyw Kcuctav

but he had not then been angered by your observa-
tions, and had not, therefore, resolved to support the
use of the v in all possible places. You must allow it
is difficult for us unlearned to have a proper confi-
dence in great critics, when they use us in this
manner, and lay down general rules, which they never
thought of before, only for the purpose of making
the difference more wide between them and their
opponents. In the Cyclops, verse 522, there is
ovb€vA pkairrci ppoTw in the Electra of Euripides,
verse 1058, there is apA fkvovo-a- and, I dare say,
hundreds of more instances against him, as I found
these by mere chance : and it has so happened, that
I have not read any play of Euripides, or Sophocles,
since I read his Note.

" I cannot conceive upon what principle, or indeed
from what motive, they have so restricted the inter-

852 CORRESPONDENCE [JEja<l 5u.

course between you and your family. My first

impulse was, to write to Lord Ilchester to speak to

Mr. Vrampton ; but, as you seem to suspect that

former applications have done mischief, I shall do

nothing. Your pupil's translation of ' avitis ' shows

that he has a good notion of the formation of words ;

and is a very good sign, if he is a young one. Did

you, who are such a hater of war, ever read the lines

at the beginning of the second book of Cowper's

Task ? There are few things in our language superior

to them, in my judgment. He is a fine poet, and

has, in a great degree, conquered my prejudices

against blank verse.

" I am, with great regard,

"Sir,

" Your most obedient servant,

"a j. fox."

" My hand is not yet so well as to give me
the use of it, though the wound is nearly healed.
The surgeon suspects there is more bone to come
aw r ay. — I have been here something more than a
fortnight."

Professor Porsons Note, inclosed in the preceding.

" Orestes, v. 64.

" UapQtvov, tfiji re firrrpi *ap«8«MCcN rpaptiy.

" Erunt fortasse nonnulli, qui minus nccessario hoc
factum (that is, the insertion of the final v) arbitraturi

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 853

sint in TrapeScoicei;. Rationes igitur semel exponain,
nunquam posthac moniturus. Quanquam enim ssepe
syllabas natura breves positione producunt Tragici,
long& libentius corripiunt ; adeo ut tria prope exempla
correptarum invenias, ubi unum modo exstet produc-
tarum : sed hoc genus licentiae, in verbis scilicet non
compositis, qualia rexjw, irarpos, ceteris long& fre-
quentius est. Rarius multo syllaba producitur in
verbo composito, si in ipsam juncturam cadit, ut in
TToXvxpvcros, Andr. 2. Eadem parsimonia in augmentis
producendis utuntur, ut in €7reK\a>or«>, sup. 12. K*K\q<rOai,
Sophocl. Electr. 366. Rarior adhuc licentia est, ubi
praepositio verbo jungitur, ut in airoTpoiroi, Phcen. 600.
Sed ubi verbum in brevem vocalem desinit, eamque
duae consonantes excipiunt, quae brevem manere
patiantur, vix credo exempla indubiae fidei inveniri
posse, in quibus syllaba ista producatur. Ineptus
esset quicunque ad MSS. in tali causa provocaret,
cum nulla sit eorum auctoritas : id solum deprecor,
ne quis contra hanc regulam eorum testimonio
abutatur ; MSS. enim neque alter alteri consentiunt,
neque idem MS. sibi ipse per omnia constat. Quod
si ea, quae disputavi, vera sunt, planum est in fine
vocis addendam esse literam, quam addidi."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Dorchester Gaol, October 23rd, 1799.

" Sir,

" I say, also, peace to our controversy !
and I wish that every dispute of every kind could

VOL. IV. ' A A

864 CORRESPONDENCE OF [jKtat. ft.

terminate as amicably, and after such gentle litiga-
tion: the differences of opinion in mankind would
then issue in the general melioration of their tempers,
and the augmentation of mutual esteem ; instead of
acrimony, revenge, and bloodshed. Only excuse my
unsolicited freedom of remonstrance.

" On the subject of Cicero, my opinions coincide
with yours: but as the turn of my disposition has
led me to inquiries connected with the history of
human intellect, and human opinions; with the
events of antient times, and the rise and progress
of philosophy; to subjects also more immediately
conversant with philology and criticism, and the
theory of language ; my attention and affection have
been fixed on his philosophical works, which I ex-
ceedingly reverence, rather than on his orations and
epistles, the repositories of private incidents, and per-
sonal and local manners. But I mean only to state
my propensities, not to extol them, or disparage the
pursuits and predilections of other students.

" What immediately led me to that conjecture in
Ovid, was, an instantaneous repugnance of feeling to
the connection of qualem with the participle in cult us :
and I am very much inclined to think, (for confidence
on these points, of all others, is most inexcusable and
absurd,) that no similar instance will readily be dis-
covered ; in which case I should be much more tena-
cious of the conjecture.

" In appreciating the comparative excellences of
different poets, the first praise seems due to inven-
tion : and, as I should always omit Homer in these

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 855

competitions, from our entire ignorance of the cir-
cumstances under which he wrote, and of the assist-
ances which he might receive, no poet of antiquity
seems capable of supporting the contest with Ovid.
Virgil has produced more perfect poems ; but then
his obligations for materials are commensurate with the
number of his verses ; and would be seen still more
clearly, if Euphorion and Nicander were now extant,
fragments only of whose congenial performances are
preserved. Quintilian, with that candour which dis-
tinguishes all his judgments, under a strong bias in
favour of his countrvman, after his admirable com-
parison of Demosthenes and Cicero, acknowledges
that the palm must be yielded in this respect, 'as
Demosthenes made Cicero, in a great measure, what
he was/ By the bye, I may appear impertinent in
recommending to your notice what you know so well :
but that chapter of Quintilian, in which the com-
parison between the Greek and Roman authors is
instituted, appears to me one of the most interesting
compositions in all antiquity. Horace, I think, has
happily comprehended the constituent qualities of a
poet in few words :

Ingenium cui sit, cui tneus divinior, atque os
Magna sooaturum.

" In the first endowment, fertility of invention and
copiousness of thought, Ovid far exceeds his country-
man : in the second, a noble enthusiastic fervour of
imagination, whose effects are sublimity and pathos,
some passages prove Ovid to have no superior among
the sons of inspiration : see, in particular, many parts

A A 2

356 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtai.5\

of his Epistle of Dido to Mneas, Phyllis to Demo-
phoon, and some others; his entire Elegy on the
Death of Tibullus, Metamorph. ii. verses 333 to 344,
vi. 426 — 433 ; and the whole story of Pythagoras,
xv. 60, &c, which has no parallel in the monuments
of human wit, to my fancy, among the Antients, (as
at once moral and delightful,) except the conclusion
of Lucretius's third Book, and the adventures of
Ulysses with Alcinous in Homer. Very few readers
have attended more to the peculiarities of elegant
construction and curious phraseology, whether of
figure or combination, than myself; and I find such
exquisite specimens and varieties in no poet, as I find
in Ovid : while, as Quintilian says of Cicero, to the
best of my recollection, — 'haec omnia fluunt illa-
borata; et ea, qua nihil dulcius esse potest oratio,
prae se fert tamen felicissimam facilitatem/ — As to
the third quality, magnificent language, Virgil has no
rival there.

" I am sorry that you gave yourself the trouble of
transcribing Porson's Note, as his Orestes is one of
the few books which I have got with me. At present,
I am reading some voluminous Greek prose writers,
with a view to my Lexicon incidentally ; so that I do
not expect to be able to read through the Tragedians
for some months yet ; when I shall pay particular
regard to the points in controversy : in the mean-
time, I wish not to be positive, but open to con-
viction. But my persuasions about the final p are
grounded on this sort of reasoning.

" It is not for us, at this time of day, to lay down

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 357

the laws of Greek composition and versification, but
to inquire into the actual practice of the Antients.
Now it is most certain, that the old editions and old
Scholiasts so generally omit the v, where modern
editors interpolate the letter, as to induce a most pro-
bable conviction, that it was universally omitted by
the Antients ; and that the few present exceptions
are the officious insertions of transcribers and pub-
lishers, who would ' be wise above what was written ,'
and modelled the MSS. by their own preconceptions
of propriety. Whereas, from the current persuasion,
among modem scholars, of the necessity of support to
these short syllables by the application of consonants,
it is perfectly inconceivable that they should have left
the syllables in question unsustained, had they found
the v in their copies. Nay, it cannot be doubted,
but modern editors, like Porson, would invariably
supply the v in all those places where early editors
were contented to omit it in obedience to their
authorities ; and, if the early editions were lost, all
traces of the old practice, as it should seem to be,
would presently be obliterated beyond recovery.

" I have been furnished with many opportunities
of observing Porson, by a near inspection. He has
been at my house several times, and once for an
entire summer's day. Our intercourse would have
been frequent, but for three reasons : 1 . His extreme
irregularity, and inattention to times and seasons,
which did not at all comport with the methodical
arrangements of my time and family. 2. His gross
addiction to that lowest and least excusable of all

353 CORRESPONDENCE OF T J- tat IA

sensualities, immoderate drinking : and 3. The un-
interesting insipidity of his society ; as it is impossible
to engage his mind on any topic of mutual inquiry,
to procure his opinion on any author or on any pas-
sage of an author, or to elicit any conversation of any
kind to compensate for the time and attendance of
his company. And as for Homer, Virgil, and Horace,
I never could hear of the least critical effort on them
in his life. He is, in general, devoid of all human
affections ; but such as he has are of a misanthropic
quality: nor do I think that any man exists, for
whom his propensities rise to the lowest pitch of
affection and esteem. He much resembles Proteus
in Lycophron :

9} 7# Aa» cnrtxftrcu,

Kcu Bcucpv

though, I believe, he has satirical verses in his
treasury for Dr, Bellenden, as he calls him (Parr),
and all his most intimate associates. But, in his
knowledge of the Greek Tragedies, and Aristophanes ;
in his judgment of MSS. and in all that relates to the
metrical proprieties of dramatic and lyric versification,
with whatever is connected with this species of
reading ; none of his contemporaries must pretend to
equal him. His grammatical knowledge also, and his
acquaintance with the antient lexicographers and ety-
mologists, is most accurate and profound : and his
intimacy with Shakspeare, B. Jonson, and other
dramatic writers, is probably unequalled. He is, in
short, a most extraordinary person in every view, but
unamiable ; and has been debarred of a comprehen-

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 859

sive intercourse with Greek and Roman authors by
his excesses, which have made those acquirements
impossible to him, from the want of that time which
must necessarily be expended in laborious reading,
and for which no genius can be made a substitute.
No man has ever paid a more voluntary and respectful
homage to his talents, at all times, both publicly and
privately, in writings and conversation, than myself:
and I will be content to forfeit the esteem and affec-
tion of all mankind, whenever the least particle of
envy and malignity is found to mingle itself with my
opinions. My first reverence is to virtue ; my
second, only to talents and erudition : where both
unite, that man is estimable indeed to me, and shall
receive the full tribute of honour and affection. — But
I am transgressing the rules of decorum, by this im-
moderate 7T€piavroAoyta, which yet, perhaps, is not
unseasonable, and certainly wishes to stand exculpated
in your sight.

" I am so wholly immersed in my studies, that my
spirits are entirely recovered; and, with the abate-
ment of solitude (which no man ever abhorred more),
I never was more comfortable in my life. To this,
the most extraordinary solicitude and affection of my
friends, some of the most virtuous characters that
ever existed, have contributed not a little: and in
this confinement, if I live, I shall combat some of that
severe and unkindly reading, in authors of less gaiety
and elegance, which, in a happier situation, would
have been contended with more tardily and reluc-
tantly, if contended with at all. It will give you

360 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mux.*.

pleasure to be informed, that a former pupil sent me.
about a month ago, from Jamaica, 1 000/.

" I have occasionally looked in Cowper, though 1
possess him not. He appeared to me too frequently
on the verge of the ludicrous and burlesque ; but ke
deserves, I dare say, the character which you give
him. Whilst I am in health, and able to endure
fatigue, I mortify myself by keeping to my main
pursuits,

eenex ut in otia tuta recedam:

hoping, if I live to grow old, that I may then indulge
myself more freely in gayer literature. But surely
Milton might have reconciled you to blank verse,
without the aid of Cowper !

" I rejoiced to observe your Letter dated from your
beloved retirement in the country ; but your in-
formation respecting the amendment of your hand
communicates but a mixed pleasure, if the gradual
extrication of other fragments of the bones must be
expected ; a process, I fear, attended with inflamma-
tion and torture, in most cases of the kind. My
best wishes attend you on all occasions ; and excuse
me, if, in the French style, which appears to me most
manly and becoming, even for the sake of variety
itself, I conclude myself,

" Ever yours, with health and respect!

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

[The second of the two Letters from Mr. Wake-
field, which the following of Mr. Fox shows to
have intervened, is wanting.]

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 861

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.
« g IR " St. Ann's Hill, November 22nd, 1799.

"I am much obliged to you for your two
Letters, and am very happy to find that your situa-
tion is become more easy than I had apprehended it
was. If I should have an opportunity of getting you
the use of any manuscripts from the persons you men-
tion, or from any others, you may depend upon my
attention to it. I know that Mr. Coke has some ;
and I will write to a friend who goes often to
Holkham, to inquire whether there are any worth
your notice. I have looked at the quotation in
Diodorus, which certainly, as far as it goes, makes
much for your system; but it is to be remarked,
that some other parts of it stand in need of emenda-
tion ; and therefore the whole may be supposed not
to have been very accurately transcribed. Since I
wrote last to you, I have read three plays of Euri-
pides ; and in them I find no less than five instances
of that description, of which Porson, in his Note on
the Orestes, supposes that there are none ' indubia
fidei! They are as follow : Medea, verses 246, 582.
Troades, verse 628. Heraclidae, verses, 391, 1044;
and I have little doubt but in the rest of his works,
and probably in those of the other Tragedians,
instances would occur in nearly a similar proportion.
Porson's assertion, therefore, appears to me so out-
rageous a neglect of fact, that he ought to be told
of it. In his Notes upon the Hecuba, verses 347
and 734, he makes two very singular remarks, in

SBJ CORRESPONDEKCK OF {£t

regard to metre, which (singular as they appear)
nevertheless, as far as my observation goes, jiist :
these were probably made upon much examim
and consideration, and not for a particular purpoi
supporting a new system, that had occurred to
of inserting the final v, where nobody else had <
it : to which he could be tempted by no other mc
tban that of differing Mo codo from you ; and say
1 So far from listening to your advice of omitting
t> where others insert it, I will now insert it wl
nobody ever thought of it/ This is abominable.-
regard to the general question of the final v, I aj
with you that it must depend, in a great measure, u
MSS. ; and in so far as it does I am no judge oj
never having seen any of the Tragedians, nor ind
scarcely of any other Greek Poets : but, upon gen.
reasoning, I own I am inclined to preserve it, beca
I think there is much in this argument. Voweh
a certain description are uniformly short in cert
given positions, with the exception of such of th
vowels only as occasionally admit the final » (for
purpose of preventing the hiatus, &c). Is it r
therefore, a fair conjecture, at least; and, if supper
by any one old MS., almost a certain one, that,
such exceptions, the final v, which they, and tl
alone, were capable of admitting, was added ? Pors
uses this argument ; but then he is not, as I hi
shown you, supported by the fact. I have read o\
possibly for the hundredth time, the portion of :
Metamorphoses about Pythagoras ; and I think j
cannot praise it too highly. I always considered

1799] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 363

as the finest part of the whole poem ; and, possibly,
the Death of Hercules as the next to it. I think
your proposed alteration of ' pendet ' to ' pandit/ is
a very fair one, if any is wanted ; but upon looking
into Ainsworth, the only Latin Dictionary I have, I
find that Pliny uses c aranea ' for the down that
appears on some parts of willow: now I think he
never could do this, unless ' aranea ' meant the web
of a spider, as well as the animal itself. The Diction-
ary gives ' spider 8 web ' too, as one of the senses of
' aranea ; ' but then it cites only the very passage we
are upon, and is therefore nothing to the purpose.

" I own, I do not see why, in the passage of the
Fasti, ' defensae ' should be certainly erroneous.
' Frondes defensae arboribus/ instead of ' arbores
defensae frondibus/ seems not unlike the poetical
diction of the Latin Poets in general ; but, if that is
wrong, at any rate the other old reading of *ex-
cussae ' is unexceptionable ; or, perhaps, a reading
compounded of the two might do, such as *de-
cussae.' The change of the punctuation in Juvenal is
clearly, I think, an amendment. I have read again
(what I had often read before) the chapter you
refer to of Quintilian, and a most pleasing one it is ;
but I think he seems not to have an opinion quite
high enough of our favourite Ovid; and, in his
laboured comparison between Demosthenes and
Cicero, he appears to me to have thought them more
alike, in their manner and respective excellences,
than they seem to me. It is of them, I think, that
he might most justly have said, ' Magis pares quam

■Mi CORRESPONDENCE OF [Era

similes.' T have no Apollonius Rhodius, and h
never read of him more than what there is in i
Eton Poeta Greed, and the Edinburgh Cottecta*
hut, from what I have read, he seems to be held
too low by Quintilian ; nor can I think the ' aequ
raediocritas' to be his character. The parts extrac
in the above collections are as fine as poetry can 1
and, I believe, are generally allowed to have b
the model of what is certainly not the least adnii
part of the ^Eneid : if he is in other parts equal
these, he ought not to be characterised by mediocr
I wish to read the rest of his poem, partly for '
sake of the poem itself, and partly to ascertain h
much Virgil has taken from him : but I have i
got it, and do not know what edition of it I ouf
to get : I should be much obliged to you if y
would tell me. Shaw's is one of the latest; bul
think I have heard it ill spoken of. If, at the sar
time, you would advise me in regard to the Gra
Poets in general (of the second and third ordt
I mean), which are best worth reading, and
what editions, you would do me a great Bervic
Of Aratus, Nicander, Dionysius, Oppian, Nonniu
Lycophron, I have never read a word, except wh
has occurred in notes on other authors ; nor do
know what poems those are which Barnes ofte
alludes to, calling them Troica. Against Lycophro
I own, I am somewhat prepossessed, from hcarii
from all quarters of the difficulty of understands
him. The Argonautics, that go under the name
Orpheus, I have read, and think that there are son

3799 J CHARLES JAMES FOX. 365

very beautiful passages in them, particularly the
description of Chiron, &c. I have read, too, Theognis ;
and observed four verses in him that are full as
applicable to other countries, as ever they could be
to any city in Greece :

Aa| eirt/ta &r)fup Kcvtofpovt' totttc 8c Ktvrptp

0£c7, kou (tvy\rjy 8v<r\o<pov a+upiTidfi.
Ov yap €0* fiffTjo-fis Kaov <pi\d&s<neoTov &5c

AvOpwwav, Awocovs iftKios KaBopa.

" I wish to read some more, if not all, of the Greek
Poets, before I begin with those Latin ones that you
recommend; especially as I take for granted that
Valerius Flaccus (one of them) is in some degree an
imitator of Apollonius Rhoditis. Of him, or Silius
Italicus, I never read any ; and of Statius but little.
Indeed, as, during far the greater part of my life,
the reading of the Classics has been only an amuse-
ment, and not a study, I know but little of them,
beyond the works of those who are generally placed
in the first rank ; to which I have always more or
less attended, and with which 1 have always been as
well acquainted as most idle men, if not better. My
practice has generally been ' multum potius qu&ra
multos legere.' Of late years, it is true that I have
read with more critical attention, and made it more
of a study ; but my attention has been chiefly directed
to the Greek language, and its writers ; so that in
the Latin I have a great deal still to read : and I
find that it is a pleasure which grows upon me every
day. Milton, you say, might have reconciled me to
blank verse. I certainly, in common with all the
world, admire the grand and stupendous passages

860 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 50.

of the Paradise Lost ; but yet, with all his study of
harmony, he had not reconciled me to blank verse.
There is a want of flow, of ease, of what the painters
call a free pencil, even in his blank verse, which is a
defect in poetry that offends me more perhaps than it
ought : and I confess, perhaps to my shame, that I
read the Fairy Queen with more delight than the
Paradise Lost : this may be owing, in some degree,
perhaps, to my great partiality to the Italian Poets.

" I have no doubt but your Dictionary will be a
very interesting work, to those who love the Greek
language ; but 20,000 new words seem impossible ;
unless you mean, by new words, new significations
of old words. I have some notions upon the subject
of a Greek Dictionary that are perhaps impracticable,
but, if they could be executed, would, I think, be
incredibly useful : but this Letter is too un-
conscionably long to make me think of lengthening
it by detailing them.

" My hand mends slowly, but regularly ; and I
do not now think there will be any exfoliation of
the bone, though that is not certain. I am very glad
to hear your Jamaica pupil, whoever he be, has done
both you and himself so much honour. I say nothing
of the late surprising events : the ends may be good,
but the means seem very odious.* I shall think the
degree of liberty they allow to the press the great
criterion of their intentions.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

Mr Fox no doubt alludes to the 18th Brumoire. or 9th of November,
1799.

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 867

MR WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, November 27th, 1799.

" Sir,

" Our want of accord on the final v and
critical emendations proves to me the necessity of a
work (of which all the materials are ready on my
papers) on the rationale of criticism, as founded on
philosophical principles, corroborated and ascertained
by the real practice of transcribers and indubitable
specimens from authors ; otherwise, no assent can
be expected in the majority of cases. My argument
for the perpetual omission of the v stands thus : It
is universally allowed, that the early editors adhered
more closely to their MSS. Tn their editions, the
final v is commonly omitted. In such works as Scholia,
of which few copies were circulated, that v is always
omitted. Good reasons may be assigned for the
occasional insertion, but none possibly for the omission.
Owners of MSS. have perpetually corrected them, as
we see at this day, according to their own fancy ;
and if Porson, for example, had them all, in time he
would put in the v throughout ; and these MSS. might
go down as vouchers for the practice of antiquity.
Very little learning would suffice, to induce men to
insert v, from an opinion of vicious quantity ; so that
a very old MS. now might abound in that insertion,
though its prototype were without it; and so on.
But the acknowledged omission in innumerable
instances even now, and that obvious reason for its

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 369

dare say, can bring me any passage, from all antiquity,
in which frost or cold is said ' tondere folia/ or any
thing like it. 2. Because excmsa and its kindred are
words of violence, and, I will venture to affirm, are
never applied to the gentle and gradual operation of
a frost. (Excuse me, if I appear positive : it is only
in the expression, which one acquires from the study
of mathematics ; where, after constructing the figure,
it is usual to add, ' I say, the triangle so and so is
the triangle required/) And with respect to phrases,
I have noted their peculiarities so copiously in my
own Dictionary, that I speak with some confidence,
on that account merely, with respect to them.

" Apollonius Rhodius was a great grammarian, as
well as a poet ; and therefore you should by all
means have an edition with the Scholia. Shaw's,
though of no value as a critical work, is prettily
printed, has the Scholia, and a most excellent Index ;
and is therefore a very commodious book for use.
You should get the last 8vo edition. Brunck, how-
ever, it is impossible to do without, on account of his
accuracy, and his MSS. It is a 12mo, not very
easily got : there was one at Lackington's the begin-
ning of this year. Stiffness, and want of perspicuity
and simplicity, appear to me the failings of Apollo-
nius Rhodius.

" Aratus, as a versifier, is much in the same style ;
and in language harsh and difficult, partly from his
subject. His Phenomena will hardly be relished,
but by the lovers of astronomy ; but his other work,
on the Signs of the Weather, must be read, as it has

VOL. IY. B B

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 371

edition is Schneider's. Ballu, a Frenchman, began
a very pretty edition ; but the Halieutics, by him, have
not yet appeared. Rittershusius' also is not amiss.

" Nonnus was a Christian poet of much later date
than the former ; of a most puerile and romantic
cast : wrote a poem as long as all Homer : difficult
to be procured, and not likely to approve himself to
you. He versified also, pleasantly enough, John's
Gospel.

"Lycophron by all means read, in Potter's later
edition. A spirit of melancholy breathes through
his poem, which makes him, with his multitude of
events, as delightful to me as any of the Antients.
I have read him very often, and always with addi-
tional gratification. His poem is delivered in the
form of a prophecy ; and therefore affects an senig-
matical obscurity, by enveloping the sentiment in
imagery, mythological allusions, and a most learned
and elaborate phraseology. Most obscure in himself,
he is rendered perfectly plain and easy by his scho-
liast, Tzetzes, who was a Jew. No man equal to
him in the purity of his iambics ; so that anapaest,
tribrachys, and dactyl, are extremely rare in him.
His narrative of the adventures of the Grecian chiefs,
particularly Ulysses, after the fall of Troy, is infi-
nitely interesting ; and his prospect of Xerxes' expe-
dition into Greece, the devastation of his army, &c,
is nobly executed. You cannot fail, I think, after the
first difficulties are surmounted, to like him much.

" No resemblance, but in the name of the poem,
between Apollonius Rhodius and Valerius Flaccus.

B B 2

372 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JErxt&

He and Statius have ideas and expressions frequently
beyond Virgil. Varro wrote an Argonautic Expe-
dition, which Valerius Flaccus may possibly have
imitated.

"The Classics have been your amusement \ not your
study. Alas ! the reverse has been the case very
much with me. I have always reckoned upon amus-
ing myself, if I live to grow old; and have been
therefore resolutely labouring, under almost even
species of disadvantage, in my youth. On this
account I never purchased Cowper : I have met with
him occasionally. He appears to me a man of fine
genius ; but his Task borders too much on the bur-
lesque for a fine poem. My revisal of Pope's Homer
led me to read his translation of the Greek ; and of
all the miserable versification in blank verse, that is
the most miserable I have yet seen. I have scarcely
any books here ; but I remember the beginning of
Odyssey X. to be the most calamitous specimen of
want of ear that ever came under my notice. It
would be rash in me to give an opinion of his versi-
fication elsewhere ; but between his versification in
Homer, and that of Milton's Paradise Lost, there is,
to my sense, as great a difference as can exist be-
tween two things that admit comparison at all. The
Faery Queen stanza was always tiresome to me.

" You would cease to wonder at my twenty thou-
sand words, if you saw my Lexicons; words good
and true. You may cease also, when I mention that
there are at least as many words of Nicander as
that poet has verses, in no common Lexicon ; two

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 37S

or three hundred in Oppian, as many thousand in
Nonnus ; and when I mention further, that in a day,
one day with another, when I am occupied in this
work, I at least add twenty from my reading, for
months together; some, original words; the gene-
rality compounds. What think you of five hundred
solid and nervous words on the margin of my John-
son, not found in him, from Milton only ; and per-
haps two hundred from the same source, which John-
son gives, but without authority ?

" I am very glad to hear so good an account of
your hand.

" I am, Sir,

" Your obliged friend,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

TO THE SAME.

"Dorchester Gaol, March, 1800.

" Sir,

" I trouble you with the Proposals for my
Lexicon ; an enterprise of such magnitude, and such
ungrateful labour, as almost overpowers my mind in
the prospect of it. Had some of our most opulent
countrymen your taste and zeal for antient literature,
a small portion of your superfluous wealth would be
readily applied to a much more complete performance,
which would not reach above two good volumes in
folio; and the civilisation of our present barbarous
manners would be essentially promoted, I think, by
the promotion of useful letters. In general, I have
been always desirous of considering sound learning

18G0.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 875

down as a subscriber. My idea with regard to a
Greek Dictionary, which I hinted at in a former
Letter, was suggested by a plan of a French Diction-
ary, mentioned by Condorcet in his Life of Voltaire.
It is this : That a chronological catalogue should be
made of all the authors who are cited in the work ;
and that the sense of every word should be given,
first, from the oldest author who has used it ; and
then should follow, in regular chronological order,
the senses in which it was afterwards used by more
modern authors. Where the sense has not altered,
it should be observed in this manner : * Qeos, a God.
Homer : and is used in the same manner by the other
authors' Thus we should have a history of every
word, which would certainly be very useful; but
perhaps it would require a greater degree of labour
than any one man could perform. Condorcet says,
that Voltaire had offered to do one letter of a Diction-
ary upon a principle something like this : but, even
if he would have kept his word, one letter of a French
Dictionary, upon this plan, would not be a hundredth
part of a Greek one ; for, besides the much greater
copiousness of the Greek, the great distance of time
between the early and the late writers must make a
Dictionary upon this principle more bulky when
applied to that language, (but, for the same reason,
more desirable,) than it would be in any other.

" Soon after I wrote to you last, I read Apollonius
(in Shaw's edition, for I have not been able to get
Brunck's); and upon the whole had great satisfaction
from him. His language is sometimes hard, and

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 877

verses down to v. 1281 ; and in favour of doing this,
it is to be observed, that 1281 and 1282 have a much
more correct sense if they follow verse 1225, than
placed as they now are : for ol rqv efirjv /^AAouresr
aioTcoo-ot Ttarpav cannot well apply to iEneas or the
Romans ; and roa-avra, in v. 1286, naturally applies to
the last-mentioned calamities. If these verses are to
stand, I think it must be admitted, that the poem is
not so antient as is supposed, and that, if the
author's name was Lycophron, it was not at least that
Lycophron who lived in Philadelphus's time. If this
hypothesis is admitted, then Tzetzes' interpretation
of v. 1446 and the following verses is not so absurd
as the other commentators state it to be ; and they
may very well relate to the first of the Ptolemies who
was in alliance with Rome (I forget his surname);
or still better to Philip of Macedon, if the poem was
written soon after his peace with Rome, and prior to
the Roman war with his son Perseus. As the matter
now stands, the allusion is given up as desperate.
My next difficulty is in line 808, in regard to the
word 7jwis, which, how it can describe Telemachus
(as is supposed) I cannot conceive. The husband of
whom? of nobody mentioned before: certainly not
of the bapapTos, whom he killed : and if of her who
is mentioned after, she is called sister, and therefore
the word husband does not naturally refer to her ; for
though she is supposed to be both sister and wife,
yet when you say ' the husband was killed by his
sister/ it cannot mean a sister that was wife too.
Scaliger, in his translation, has it 'Crater:' and koo-is

378 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JStat. 51.

would do for the verse ; but even then the construction
is very hard, as the nam must refer to the abeXfa
mentioned two lines after. As it now stands, I think
it must allude to some lost story, in which Telemachus,
or some son of Ulysses, is supposed to have killed his
own wife, and to have been killed in revenge by that
wife's sister, or his own. The difficulty does not
seem to be felt, at least it is not explained by the
commentators. I could not at first understand
ver. 407 ; but I thought I remembered something of
yours upon the subject ; and, upon looking into your
notes upon Ion, I found it perfectly explained ; only
I cannot find in my Lexicons (I have only Stephens's
Thesaurus and MorelTs Hederic) that irovrj ever
signifies the string of a bow. In v. 1159, I find the
word €<f}0iTO)fi€vrjs t from some such word as <f>0iToa>,
which I cannot find any where. Of this the com-
mentators take no notice. In v. 869, I think Trrjdrjfm
is an incomprehensible expression, if the sense is as
is supposed (for I do not take it to have the double
meaning of the Latin word r saltus ') ; and I under-
stood it, before I looked at the comment, to be a
description of Venus herself, according to one of the
mythological accounts of her birth ; nor am I quite
sure I was wrong. The omission of the particle ye
after Koyxeias, in the same line in one MS, would
rather favour my interpretation. If you have a
Lycophron with you, and much leisure, I shall be
obliged to you for your opinion upon some of the
above passages ; for, excepting these, I do not think
there are any about which I have much difficulty ;

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 879

though I may have forgot some, as I did not note
down any whilst I was reading him : and there are,
besides, many words new to me ; but where the com-
mentators have taken notice of them, and so explained
them that I can acquiesce in their explanation, I do
not trouble you with them. The passage you quote
from Theocritus is most beautiful : I suppose Horace
took his idea of his

Quern tu, Melpomene, semel

from it ; for, besides the general resemblance of the
sentiment, the shape in which it is put seems exactly
the same ;

Ovs yap Sprjrt, rots owe, &c.
Quern tu videris, ilium non, Ac.

I have written it Sprjrc, because I understand, from
my edition, that is the oldest reading ; and if so, I
think the change of Porson rather an elegance than
a defect : not that I should think it worth while to
alter it, which ever way it stood. At any rate, I
like SpcvvTt yaOevaai, as you write it, better than opaaai
yaOwai, which is in the text of my edition.

" You have heard from the newspapers, of course,
of my going to the House of Commons last month.
I did it more in consequence of the opinion of
others, than from my own ; and when I came back,
and read the lines 1451, 2, 3 of Lycophron,

Ti fjuucpa T\i)fXMv tis ayrjKoovs xtrpas,
E« KVfia Kuxpov, cis vow as HvtrfXifTtZas
Bafa, Ktvov tyaXkovaa /jumftokos Kporov ;

I thought them very apposite to what I had been

880 CORRESPONDENCE OF [iETAT.51.

about. In the last of the three, particularly, there is
something of comic, that diverted me, at my own
expense, very much. I mean

Ba£o>, Ktvov ^aXXouaa poora/tos Kporor.

" I believe I ought to make you some apology for
this long and tedious Letter ; but trusting to your
goodness, I shall make none, except that it is, in part,
the consequence of that zeal for literature, which you
suppose (and I hope, in general, truly — universally
certainly not) leads to better things.

" Yours ever truly,

"C. J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

Dobohestkr Gaol, March 13*4, 1800.

n

" Sir,

" I am very glad that you like Lycophron.
The only exception to him is, that quaintness of
phraseology which borders on burlesque : but I sup-
pose the necessity of correspondence with the oracu-
lar style of antiquity produced this singularity, for
the old oracles are altogether in this strain. Some
time ago I sent for my Oxford Lycophron, — but
great inconvenience attends the search of my books,
— and an old copy of another edition came in its
stead, which I cannot use commodiously. I expect
the right book by the first convenient opportunity
of conveyance ; when I mean to read him again very
attentively, and will keep in view your difficulties
and doubts. In truth, I am very careful abput this

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 381

migration of my library ; because all my notes are
on the margins, and I am not fond of hazarding in-
considerately the labours of my life. These little
things are great to little men. The disadvantages
and vexations which this confinement has occasioned,
in this way, cannot easily be enumerated, and are
very irksome to my feelings.

"That disadvantage of an English interpretation
to the Lexicon was foreseen, and, on a general esti-
mate, disregarded. I am not very solicitous for its
success; and shall abandon the project without re-
luctance, if the country does not furnish encourage-
ment sufficient for it. No word, properly speaking,
can have more than two senses : its primary picture
sense, derived from external objects and operations ;
and its secondary and consequential : a rule which
would make short work, but very proper work, with
most Dictionaries; and reduce Johnson's strange
ramifications of meaning into twenty or thirty shoots,
to one original sense, and two or three shades of
inferential.

" What I once said of my number of additional
words, surprised you. I am reading Manetho, an
old astrologer, whom I have read before, but not
with this particular view ; and one who probably
never came in your way. He is a good writer of
his class, and a most correct versifier ; but deals very
largely in new words. Before your letter came, for
the gratification of my own curiosity, I had noted
all the words, not inserted in Hederic, which I had
met with since the morning. They amount to

VKKESFuXDEXCE OK

[.Eii:

**-■" '.-*•* . and not so much as two-thirds of m;
-'■'} s work is u; finished.

" I «:t ":'.': i. ive [h-«uht tliat vim might have got i
l»r:;:\V< V.v'.'.v.iJus Khodiib- at Lackington's. The'
tu.l «i'\ita! !v:". ri \\\\ departure from the world,
s'.-.i.. N 1 ;::*. h;::i i:i a few days: and may perhap
r.v.:l\v u;; w.:ii ;i u\\ conjectures, though iuv prin

I

" l\< ::'.\ :v.i:'.d. nothing was ever more soothing
v.'. ::\- •\w'.xw\. •.■';} s;raiu. than many passages ii
l.wopV.vo:: :. l>;;t. as \ou justly observe, lie wouli
lv :■.':•*.■■■.::, "t i:i:i:::*.-".:ir:l»lt.*. in most parts, witliou
li> Sv-i-.i- ■;,!>:. :,• «i-.".r. more obligations are due, ot
ilv.i: mwur.:. than w the Scholiast of any othe
author wiiati-wr

■■ 1 iuwt ir.i'i with thai reading, upijrc, in th<
second person, in that passage of Theocritus. ]
should except to it. because not in his way, as hi;
poetry does not furnish a beauty of that kind
Milton ierv rinely adopted it from Virgil, in his
1'wuhii: llvniu

Ta."a *".*o KuJ'rf t!i* night,

•• In i In 1 ne\! page hut one of my Silv. Critica.
iyol. i. p. --.' where I have illustrated the verses
of Tlieoeriius by some very l>eautiful parallels, p. 23
are some excellent exemplifications of that sudden
eonversion to H'h'n** from iftmitttv : to which ado
Acts of the Apostles, xiii. __. xiv. '22 : for no writei
has heen more successful iu this respect than Luke
see. too, l'olvbius. i. 311. Krucsti's edition.

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 383

" Your absentation from the House is a measure
which always had my most entire concurrence ; nor
do I less approve your late appearance there : not
that I expected any immediate benefit from your
exertions ; but because I think your friends and the
public expected that effort from you. My opinion
was, I own, (but I venture a dissent from you on any
subject, and most of all on this, with extreme diffi-
dence,) that you should have absented yourself
sooner ; and for this plain reason : Such discussion
and debate, in opposition to Ministers, contributed
to encourage a delusion through the country, that
measures were to be carried in that House by argu-
ment and the force of truth, when they certainly were
not to be carried by such influence.

"There is another author, Tryphiodorus, who is
short, and therefore not very troublesome in that
respect, whom you might wish to read : Merrick
published an edition of him, with an excellent En-
glish translation : an edition has been given also by
a pupil of mine, Mr. Northmore : either are easily
procurable, and you would not regret the bestowal
of two or three hours upon him.

"No apology is necessary for any application to
me on these subjects. I shall be abundantly re-
compensed, if my superior assiduity may enable
me to contribute any particle of gratification to your
studies.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your obliged friend,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

384 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEmSl.

MR FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

" St. Ann's Hxll, March litk, 1800.

" Sir,

" I have received your letter, and will

certainly write to Lord Ilchester, and apply, through
some channel that may be proper, to the persons you
mention ; or take such other measures as, upon con-
sultation with my nephew, may be thought advisable.
In regard to the question of submitting to extreme
extortion, if it should come to that, I confess mvself
not to be of the stout side, unless it should be neces-
sary upon a prudential principle, which I hope it is
not. A person in your situation is not called upon
for any voluntary sacrifices to public considerations,
for which he already suffers quite sufficiently.

" Yours ever,

'• c. J. FOX."

TO THE SAME.

"St. Ann's Hill, March 190, 1800.

" Sir,

" My nephew writes me word that he is to
see Mr. Moreton Pitt, who, I believe, has more influ-
ence, in regard to the prison, than any of the other
magistrates. When I mentioned prudential reasons,
it was not with a view to discourage them, but on
the contrary. But with regard to the effects of an
ill example, I am clearly of opinion that your situation
dispenses with your making any sacrifice to such a

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 3&

consideration, when put in competition with your
ease and convenience.

" I am much obliged to you for what you mention
in regard to the Anthologia, which I shall atteud to,
as well as to your recommendation of Hales of Eton.
I thought the principal beauties of the Anthologia
would be in Brunck's Analecta ; a book which I have
not yet got, though it is a year since I commissioned
my bookseller to get it for me. I believe the next
Greek author I shall read will be Diogenes Laertius.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

" P. S. Till I know the result of Lord Holland's
application to Mr. Pitt, I think it best to delay any
other application ; but, you may depend upon it,
whatever my nephew and I can do, shall be done."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, March, 20tA, 1800.

" Sir,

" It is well that you have not obtained
Brunck's Analecta; because Jacobs' is a republica-
tion of the very book, with infinite improvement;
and may be had, except the last volume, at any time,
I should think, of Elmsley, if not of your own book-
seller.

" Another book I forgot to mention, as worthy of

TOL. IV. CO

2^6 CORRESPONDENCE OF [-£tai5L

your notice — the edition of Orpheus de Lapidibus, bj
that very modest and most ingenious person, the laic
Mr. Tyrwhitt : but take care that his Dissertation 01
Babrius, with the exquisite fragments of that neal
and simple writer, be annexed. Scarcely any loss i
more to be regretted than that of Babrius, as you wil
judge from his remains ; which I think it probabl
that you may not have seen collected.

" When you are at a loss, Quintus Calaber woul<
amuse you, from the light which his long poen
throws on the Trojan war : and his connection, ii
these respects, with the nobler poets confers ai
indirect and incidental value on his rambling, and, ii
general, puerile performance.

" It is singular, and probably you might observe it,
that all the words quoted from Lycophron, in MorelTs
Hederic, are stated as being found in Lycurgus:
' Lycurg! at least in my 4to edition of 1790. And,
on the subject of mistakes, Is it not also extraordinary,
that the verses from Shakspeare, which are put at
the head of the daily occurrences in the Morning
Chronicle, have been wrongly arranged to this day,
through the last ten years, the term of my acquain-
tance with the paper?

" I am sorry that you do not readily procure
Brunck's Apollonius Rhodius. The text is wonderfully
improved from his MSS. ; and my doctrine of the
final v evinced beyond all dispute. Brunck, however,
did not see, or would not acknowledge, the omission
to that extent in which I maintain it ; and, you will
perceive, involves himself accordingly in numerous

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. ».8$7

embarrassments and self-contradictions, both in that
edition, and his edition of the Tragedians.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your obliged friend,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

" Sir,

SAME TO SAME.

" Dorchester Gaol, April Bth, 1800.

" As Mr. M. Pitt is going to town to-
morrow, and the Duke of Grafton and Lord Holland
have promised to see him, an application at the same
time to Mr. Frampton could not fail of a beneficial
effect ; who, during Mr. Pitt's absence in Ireland,
has interested himself much in the affairs of this
place.

" It should be understood that I want no inter-
ference with A. in the management of his own family,
or the disposal of his house ; but merely a provision,
by the Magistrates, of a place where I shall not perish
with the inclemency of winter, if A. will not continue
me under his roof at the expiration of this year.
Mr. F. will receive another application, through his
tutor, Dr. Huntingford, warden of Winchester Col-
lege, with whom I have occasionally communicated
by letter in former days.

" You will find in the Life of Diogenes, in
Diogenes Laertius, whom you spoke of as your
next author to be perused, many diverting applica-
tions of Homer's verses; and if you have Casau-

o o 2

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 389

find it from the Index at the end, under the heads
of Phryne, Thais, or Lais.

" I am, dear Sir.

" Yours ever,

« C. J. FOX."

u

Sir,

SAME TO SAME.

" St. Ann's Hill, April 20th, 1800.

" I have received a letter from Lord II-
chester, who promises to speak to Mr. Frampton.
My nephew has spoken to Mr. M. Pitt, who seems to
be very willing to do what is right, and says he will
speak with you concerning the business. A room at
the gaoler's, if it can be had on moderate terms, I
should think most eligible; and of your obtaining
that, either by Mr. M. Pitt's interference, or other-
wise, I should hope there is little doubt.

" Pindar's Pythics appear to me much superior, in
general, to his Olympics : I do not know whether
this is a general opinion : however, the second
Olympic is still my favourite.

" I am, Sir,

" Yours ever most truly,

« c. J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, May 21th, 1800.

" Sir,

" I received my Lycophron a little time

4

890 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mi

since ; and have been reading him again. I brc .
neither the proper books here, nor chronological
memory, sufficient to judge of your objection to the
authenticity of the passage from ver. 1226 to 12S1,
from the progress of the Roman conquests at that
time: but a general objection arises to the latter
parts of the poem, from the awkward poetical salvo in
ver. 1373, which one aware of the prophetic charac-
ter was not likely to have introduced. But is it
incredible, that an attentive observer of the times,
and the rising greatness of the Romans, might ven-
ture to predict the extent of their future sway in the
general terms of ver. 1229, especially with Homer's
example before him, II. T. 307, 308 ? Just as that
remarkable prophecy also of Seneca,

Secula sens, &&

- vonient annis

might readily force itself on the mind of a philoso-
pher at all acquainted with the figure of the globe,
and the disproportion of the terrestrial parts, then
known, to the seas and ocean. The absence of my
books disables me from specifying the tragedy and
verse: but you will probably recollect the passage.
The greatest singularity of this nature, which recurs
to my memory, is an anticipated description of the
Jesuits before the establishment of that fraternity;
which is quoted, somewhere about the time of their
origin, in the Notes to Mosheim's Ecclesiastical His-
tory — Maclean's translation.

"At ver. 807 — 812,1 perceive no difficulty, but

*

'.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 391

one, occasioned by the word trow, rendered obscure
by its nearness to banapros, to which it does not refer.
I render thus, and understand : ' When he (Ulysses)
shall breathe out his life, lamenting the calamities of
his son and wife ; which wife (Circe), a husband, or
married man, (namely, of Cassiphone the daughter,)
having slain, will himself go in the next place to the
grave, killed off by his sister (his relation), who was
the relation of Glaucon, &c/

" The difficulty is increased by the expression of
ver. 809, which naturally carries you to Ulysses,
and his descent into the infernal regions ; but may
easily mean, that she (the wife) went the irpwnjv
6Sov, for TrpuTrj first; and Telemachus went the
bevrcpav, or after her : which are common variations
of phrase.

" As to ver. 407, Tlayr)v, or irayiv var. lect.
means a snare; and so, by inference, a string,
or nervum; as bird-snares were made of nerves or
strings.

"Your interpretation of ver. 869 is exceedingly
ingenious and just. 'Ap-ny is used by Nicander for
any pointed instrument in general, as a toot/i, &c. ;
and <TTop0vy£, <rrow(, and equivalent words, are used
in the Anthologia, and elsewhere, for that far-famed
implement in question ; for which ap-mj is a proper
term of disguise, in such a composition as the Cassan-
dra. Observe, also, how the congenial word Oopos,
from 0opa> salio, agrees with infi^pxi : and the ff may
either be omitted, or remain, as the exordium of an
aggregate : ' doubling both the water, &c/ So that

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 893

tion. It may mean the instrument with which Saturn
mutilated his father Ccelus. I was aware the ff or re
was very consistent with my interpretation; but to
the common one it is absolutely necessary ; and there-
fore its being absent from some of the old copies
makes in favour of my guess ; for, in my supposition,
it may be there or not. I confess I cannot think it
possible, that Lycophron, writing before the first
Punic war, could speak of the Romans as he does :
besides, there is a passage, which I cannot imme-
diately lay my finger upon, foretelling an alliance be-
tween the Romans (or at least the descendants of the
Trojans) and the Macedonians; which may allude
either to that between the Romans and Philip, or to
that between them and Ptolemy, but which, as a
particular fact, could never be guessed at so long
before it took place. The prophecy in Seneca's Medea
is very curious indeed. I once saw one relating to
the Jesuits in some history of Ireland (not certainly
Lcland's) which may perhaps be the same to which
you allude. It appeared to me to be the most extra-
ordinary thing of the kind I had ever met with ; so
much so, that I am very sorry I did not take a
note of the book and page. I will endeavour to
recover it. Homer's I do not think much of, as
it is easily explained by the supposition that in
his time iEneas's posterity were in power some-
where: whether in Asia, or in Europe, the words
are equally applicable.

" In one of your Letters, long since, you men-
tioned that Dawes said, that instead of Uoo-o-co/xe^

394 CORRESPONDENCE OF [.EiaE

avciKTos, it was in the Florentine edition iXaotywrfa, «
that the digamma was respected. I have lately bea
extravagant enough to purchase the Florentine edi-
tion ; and find that it has iAao-o-wfic^, like the other
editions : the line is in the A. 444.

" I am truly glad that you have settled your owi
business. I never supposed I could have any influ-
ence with Mr. Frampton. His father-in-law, I think,
would be glad to oblige me, and, even independently
of such a wish, would be of the good-natured side ol
any question.

"I like parts of the imitation of Juvenal vei]

much : it is full of spirit. You do not say by whon

it is.

" Yours ever,

"a j. fox-

mr. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Dorche8TSR Gaol, June 21st, 1800.

" Sir,

" No apology for any interval of time in
noticing my Letters is at all necessary. I usually
send answers immediately, partly from regular prac-
tice, and partly from want of room in this place ; so
that what once is dismissed from my sight on the
table, is in danger of being totally forgotten. But I
make no requisitions of any one.

" I cannot now recollect what I said about Homer,
II. A. 444; but I probably misrepresented what

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 395

Dawes asserted, from defect of memory. Common
editions have lAoo-cro^ei? ova/era. My Florentine,
which is now open before me, has Ua<r<ra>fic<r0a amua-a,
which you see is removed from what is apprehended
to be the truth, Ikaaro^arOa, by only very common and
accountable variations, the doubling of <r, and long
for short o. If it be in yours, as you state, IXaaaco^ ,
it is very strange. I collated the Florentine soon
after I came hither, and found it less serviceable than
I expected. A good deal of suffrage in the final v ;
but as much in the Etymologicon Magnum. See Od.
r. 419. Some small confirmation of the proposed
correction for II. A. 444, exists in Etymologicon
Magnum, p. 97, in as far as o for o> ; for the author,
though the passage is most corrupt, very evidently
refers to the verse in question.

" I am, Sir,

" Your most obliged friend,

« GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, June 26 to, 1800.

" Sir,

"It is very extraordinary, that our copies
of the Florentine Homer should be so different. In
mine, the dedication to which (to Peter of Medicis,
the son of Lawrence) is dated 1488, it is most
distinctly, as I stated, t\a<rora>nc& . Observe, that the
I is marked with the lexis, instead of the aspirate.

396 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Sux.l\

As my eyes are very indifferent, I at first thought i
might be a mistake of mine, and that there was i
thickness at the bottom of the 0, which might stall
for a a; but I observe it is quite the same letter ts
m 4>oi/3<p 0* Uprjv UarofxjBriv, in the preceding line;
and the mark of elision at the end, instead of thet
is quite clear. Its being Ikaaato^trOa in your cop*
is a clear justification of the reading iXaaofiea^a, i
that use of the future is common in Homer, whic
upon mere recollection, I cannot say. This variatio
between our copies is a very singular circumstance.
" You see the turn affairs have taken in Italy. Gc
send it may lead to a peace !

" Yours ever,

"C J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Dobchesteb Gaol, June 28th, 1800.

" Sir,

" When Heath recommended a reading i
Sophocles on the authority of the second Justin
edition, Brunck, who had never seen that edition
nor knew indeed of its existence, made himself mem
at the expense, as he supposed of our countryman
' as if he had got an impression of Sophocles made
on purpose for himself.' I did not entertain so high
an opinion of you, as to suppose the Fates to have
gifted the Italian typographers with a prophetic
impulse for a provisionary accommodation of a

f 1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 397

f Florentine Homer to your future purposes, in exclu-
sion of all other admirers of that poet : but rather
concluded, from your accuracy on these occasions,
that two different impressions of this work, much at
the same time, must have gone abroad, as the
product of the same operation ; as we know of two
Aldine Demosthenes, and two Baskerville's Virgils,
•only distinguishable by the more knowing dealers in
these articles.

"The verse in question is most distinctly and
unambiguously written at length in my copy, and
stands the second in the right-hand page ; perfectly
conformable to my former representation of it. I
suspect yours to be some spurious and managed
copy : of the legitimacy of my own, its pedigree will
not suffer me to doubt. Its original owner, of late
years, was Mr. Cracherode : it is a very fine copy ;
but when its curious possessor procured a finer, it
past over to the library of Lord Spencer ; and he, on
procuring one more suited to his taste, transferred it
to Edwards the bookseller, who conveyed it to my
hands for a large-paper Lucretius : so that it exhibits
a genealogy almost comparable to that of Agamem-
non's sceptre, or Belinda's bodkin. The knowing
ones, who must occasionally come in your way, will
be able, I dare say, to solve your doubts, and clear
up the difficulty. If a surreptitious copy has been
foisted on you, it will be prudently returned to its
late owner ; who, if a craftsman, might be aware of
its illegitimacy. But I speak merely from conjecture,
founded on the facts, which our respective copies

?i 1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 399

«
>

MR FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

St. Anh's Hill, October 17th, 1800.

u

Sir,

" You mentioned to me, some time since, a
wish to have the perusal of some MSS. of the Classics
that may be in private libraries. I shall go to Mr.
Coke's, at Holkham, the beginning of next month ;
who has, as I understand, several, which I will look
at : but if there are any particular authors of more
consequence to you than others, I wish you would
give me a hint, and I will endeavour to get the loan
of them for you. I have not been able yet to account
for the difference between my copy of the Florence
Homer and yours ; but have desired an intelligent
person to examine such other copies as may fall in
his way.

" I am, Sir,

" Your friend and servant,

a c. J. FOX."

«

Sir,

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, October 18<A, 1800.

" I thank you for this recollection of my
request. The loan of any Greek MS., prior in
date to the invention of printing, will be accept-
able, of any poet, except Aristophanes; and of

400 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 52.

prose writers, Clemens Alexandrinus and Philo
Judaeus. Of the Latin poets, Silius Italicus, Valerius
Flaccus ; and Virgil, if very antient and uneolluted,
otherwise a MS. of him cannot be presumed of much
utility.

" Suffer me to employ this opportunity of thanking
you for your Address to your Electors : it was
seasonable, spirited, and judicious. I know no men,
who pour out such an abundance of practical good
sense on all subjects, intelligibly to the meanest
capacities and instructively to the best, as Dr. Paley
(I wish that he did not sophisticate too frequently
against his convictions, in vindication of his craft),
Dr. Priestley, and the man who is now addressed

" By his obliged servant,

•'GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill> January 26th, 1801.

" Sir,

" I was at Holkham this year a much
shorter time than usual ; and I am ashamed to say,
that I could not find time to do what I certainly had
voluntarily engaged to do, by searching the library.
Partly a malm pudor, and partly an expectation of
hearing from Mr. Wilbraham that he had repaired
my omission, have prevented me hitherto from giving
you this account : but it is the true one, nor will I
attempt at any palliation. Clemens Alexandrinus,

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 401

if I remember right, was the author you particularly
mentioned, as a manuscript you most desired.

"I am much afraid that it will be much longer
than you seem to think, before Europe will be
delivered from the horrors of war ; if that be the
delivery to which you look. If you mean only a
deliverance from the odious projects of our Ministers
and their allies, I consider that as already in effect
accomplished.

" I am at present engaged in an attempt to write
a History of the times immediately preceding and
following the Revolution of 1688. Whether my
attempt will ever come to any thing, I know not ; but,
whether it does or not, I shall grudge very much the
time it takes away from my attention to poetry and
antient literature, which are studies far more suitable
to my taste. However, though these studies are a
good deal interrupted, they have not wholly ceased ;
and therefore I should be obliged to you, if you would
tell me your opinion concerning the best edition of
iEschylus. I see, in a Catalogue now before me, that
I can have Pauw's for four guineas, which, if it be
the best, I do not think much. I have no edition
of this poet at all ; and, consequently, have not of
late years read any of his plays, except the Eumenides
in your collection. Some passages are grand indeed ;
but there is a hardness of style, and too continual an
aim at grandeur, to be quite to my taste. I think I
have heard that there are detached editions of some
of his plays that are worth having. Now I am
troubling you upon these subjects, If I have time only

VOL. IV. D D

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 408

" P.S. I cannot clear up the mystery of my Florence
edition of Homer, differing from yours in the word
lAa<r<ra>/x€0\ I begin to be afraid that mine must be
a spurious copy ; but it has not the appearance of it.
I have not seen any other Florence Homer lately, to
compare it with ; but I have commissioned a friend
to examine one."

" Sir,

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Dorchester Gaol, January 27th, 1801.

" MSS.j I know, are so scarce in this country,
even in public libraries, that I had formed no
flattering expectations from your researches at Mr.
Coke's ; and, of course, shall feel but little disappoint-
ment at an unpropitious issue.

" Several visitors to me at this place had mentioned
your engagement on that part of our political history
which your letter specifies ; and I cannot but lament
that you express yourself with any uncertainty re-
specting its accomplishment ; a failure which would
occasion lasting regret to your friends in particular,
and your contemporaries at large : nor do I learn
with pleasure that your affections are not so cordially
in unison with this important and interesting occu-
pation, as with other studies, poetry and ancient
literature.

" You will do well to purchase that edition of
Pauw's JEschylus, unless it be a very inferior copy :
four guineas, as times go, is a moderate price. Pauw

DD 2

404 CORRESPONDENCE OF OEtat. 51

contains the whole of Stanley, who was a very modest
and learned man, of the Derby family ; and the same
who wrote the Lives of the Philosophers. Pauw's
own Notes are of little worth: he was a noisv.
boastful, and injudicious critic. The book is very
neatly printed, and pleasant to the eye. ^Eschylus is
pompous, but frequently sublime : his principal
defect, as a dramatic writer, seems want of action.
His Prometheus is interesting, as a collection of
ancient mythology and history, not so distinctly pre-
served elsewhere : and Milton's Satan was most
evidently formed on that character. The Septem ad
Thebas is a fine delineation of heroic manners, but is
made up, almost wholly, of descriptive speeches.
His Persse is not very interesting, and may be con-
sidered as a mere sacrifice to Grecian vanity. In the
Agamemnon are some very sublime passages : part of
a chorus in dialogue, verses 1560-1569, contains the
bitterest irony, the most cutting insult, that ever was
written, I think, by man. One feels more respect for
the poet, from his distinction as a citizen, and his
gallantry at the battle of Marathon.

" Schutz has published iEschylus : three volumes
had come out before my arrival hither ; and two more
are expected, containing the last play, index, &c.
They are become, I believe, enormously dear, and
very scarce. I would not advise you to look after
them, except you feel your thirst increase for a more
elaborate perusal, after reading Stanley. The text of
iEschylus is in a much less correct state than that
of the other tragedians.

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 405

" The two most popular and most approved, plays
of Aristophanes, are the Ranae and Plutus : but, to
say the truth, Plato and Aristophanes are the only
two celebrated authors of antiquity whom I never
could read through. Often have I determined to
surmount my disinclination ; and as often recoiled, in
the middle of my enterprise : —

ter saxea tentat

Limina nequicquam ; ter fessus valle resedit

" If a man loves nastiness and bawdry, he may
find both to satiety, usque ad delicias votorum, in his
Lysistratus, and other plays. I do not profess much
squeamishness and prudery on these points, as a
student : but an author whose object is principally
pleasure, and not utility, must bring with him either
sublime sentiment, magnificent language, or sonorous
verse, to rivet my affection ; — and there is nothing of
these in Aristophanes. Pure diction, easy versifi-
cation, and coarse wit, are his excellences. But the
principal obstacle is that obscurity which attends all
writers whose chief object has been the delineation of
vulgar manners, and the transitory peculiarities of
the day. Brunck's edition is the most correct ; but
you would scarcely understand him without the
Scholia, which are not in him, but may be read to
most advantage in Kuster. Perhaps you will prefer
procuring the common London edition, of the begin-
ning of this century, which is easily procured, and
contains the Nubes and Plutus, with the Scholia.

" At the desire of the editor, I have reviewed,

40C CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 5i

in the Critical Review, two months ago, Porson's
Hecuba and his Orestes, for the coming month.
Porson will know the author ; but I never yet did
anything in this way which I wished to be concealed,
though not ambitious to divulge it ; nor am I at all
fond of the reviewer's employment, nor engage in it
but on particular solicitation.

" If I live to see London again, I shall take great
pleasure in mentioning your difficulty on Lycophron
to a gentleman, who has studied him more than any
man living, I suppose. He is vicar or rector of some
parish in Bread Street : his name is Meek ; and he is
rightly so called; for a more pacific, gentle, un-
assuming, human creature never did exist. He was
somewhat senior to me at Cambridge.

" Some of my friends have very much urged me to
give Lectures on the Classics ; and, on a mature con-
sideration of the project, I mean to make the attempt,
by beginning with the second ^Eneid, when I leave
this place. I shall not wish it to be regarded as a
benevolent scheme, in the least degree ; but as one,
in which those on the spot, and interested in such
pursuits, may expect to receive something like an
equivalent for their money. When my proposals are
digested and printed, I shall take the liberty of
sending you one ; more as a token of respect for your
judgment, than with any desire of troubling your
services on this occasion.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your respectful friend,

•« GILBERT WAKEFIELD/'

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX 407

SAME TO SAME.

Dorchester Gaol, April 2nd, 1801.

a

" Sir,

" I once mentioned, if I rightly recollect, my
intention of troubling you with the enclosed plan ;
supposing it probable that you might meet with an
opportunity of speaking on the subject, if you should
be in town.

" My printer, I expect, will have conveyed to you
a small performance on the versification of the Greek
epic writers. This trifle, which I could have printed in
this country, since my commencement of authorship,
for six pounds, and could now print in Paris for less
than four pounds, has cost now no less than seventeen
pounds. I congratulate myself more and more on
abandoning my Lexicon, as the full list of subscribers
would not have defrayed the bills of the stationer and
printer. Indeed, all private adventure in the clas-
sical way, to any extent, is become utterly impracti-
cable in this island ; and must benumb the activity,
and destroy the engagements, of those who reposed
the future comfort of their lives, in some measure, on
these pursuits.

" Our joy on the near approach of liberation has
been tempered by a severe affliction — the loss of our
youngest child, on Sunday last. To express the
miseries which my absence has occasioned to my wife
and family, during an agonising illness, of alternate
hope and despair, would look like an ostentation of

408 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 51

sorrow, to all, but those who have been exercised in
similar circumstances by a similar calamity.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your respectful friend,

u GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

St. Ankk'8 Hill, April 5th t 1801.

if

" Sir,

" I am exceedingly concerned to hear of
the loss you have sustained, as well as of the addi-
tional suffering which your family has experienced
(as of course they must), from your separation from
them during so trying a calamity.

" You mentioned to me before, your notion of
reading Lectures upon the Classics, but not as a
point upon which you had fully determined. If I
can be of any use in promoting your views, I will
not fail to do so: for in proportion as classical
studies are an enjoyment to myself (and they are
certainly a very great one), I wish them to be diffused
as widely as possible.

" I have run over, with great pleasure, your disser-
tation upon the metre of the writers of Greek hexa-
meters. There are one or two things that I am not
quite sure that I understand, but upon which I have
not time, just now, to trouble you with my doubts.
The observations upon verses of the following form,

E7JW, EvF(xrry«uf— tfiify tv <mj0f <r» /Sot/Aip*

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 409

and on the aspirate in the pronouns of, 6s, los, always
telling as a consonant, appear to me to be quite new,
and very striking. I had myself observed how
sparing Homer is in leaving a vowel short between
two consonants, though one of them be a liquid ; but
it seems strange, that the author of the Argonautics,
which go by the name of Orpheus, should have been
less scrupulous in this licence than poets of a period
more distant from Homer. That poem is supposed
(is it not?) to have been written as early as the
age of Pisistratus.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

"Dorchester Gaol, April 6th, 1801.

" Sir,

"The project of my Lectures is a very
important event in my future life; but one, whose
success appears, I own, extremely doubtful to my-
self.

" The principal points of my metrical dissertation
seem tolerably well ascertained. Some difficulties will
arise of impossible solution, partly from inexplicable
corruptions, and partly, perhaps, from the inconsis-
tency and incorrectness of the writers themselves.
That hiatus in the middle of the third foot I once
mentioned to Dr. Parr, and desired his opinion on
it j but, as he revolted at the very mention of it,
^id condemned it as a peculiarity unheard of, and

410 CORRESPONDENCE OF j>£iAT.5i

inadmissible, I made no reply, but concluded it to
have been unobserved by all readers but myself.

"You quote rae as speaking of oU fc, and «*:
whereas, my rule is not true of this last, nor of fa,
the substantive in the dative case. I suspect, that, in
many cases, the aspirate has passed into a letter ; and
that hi, by the rule of dactyls, should frequently be
substituted for ol. In antient inscriptions, the aspirate
is found expressed by half the H, thus |* , which,
from quick writing, might easily pass into an e, by
the loss of two angles ; as the present aspirate ' is
exhibited in the Apollonius Rhodius with capital
letters, and other books, in its primitive shape »-.

The author of the Argonautic Expedition, under
the name of Orpheus, probably interwove in his
poem verses from pure authors, who had previously
treated this subject; of whose works various copies
once existed, as appears from fragments in Suidas,
and from other testimonies : but the present poem
was evidently put into the form now extant by a
writer of very late date, and probably some centuries
posterior to the Christian aera.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your respectful frieiui,

"GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

V

[A letter from Mr. Wakefield to Mr. Fox see^B to
be wanting here.]

t

i

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 411

MR. FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

St. Anne's Hill, April IS*, 1801.

tt

Sir,

" Your story of Theseus is excellent, as
applicable to our present Rulers ; if you could point
out to me where I could find it, I should be much
obliged to you. The Scholiast on Aristophanes is
too wide a description.*

" The whole affair relating to the late changes is
as unintelligible to me as to you. That there is some
sort of juggle in the business, appears to me certain ;
but to what degree is difficult to ascertain.

" I think, as you do, the success of your proposed
Lectures doubtful; but am rather inclined to be
sanguine ; if I can do anything to promote it, you
may depend upon me. The second book, upon
which you propose to begin, is a delightful compo-
sition. If the lines omitted in the Medici Manu-
script are spurious, they are, I think, the happiest
imitation of Virgil's manner that I ever saw. I am
indeed so unwilling to believe them any other than
genuine, that ratter than I would consent to such an
opinion, I should be inclined to think that Virgil
himself had written, and afterwards erased them, on
account of their inconsistency with the account he
gives of Helen, in the sixth book.

* The story of Theseus, as applicable to Mr. Addington, was quoted
by Mr. Sheridan in the House of Commons. It came from Mr. Wakefield.

/

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 413

Secret® Troades acta

Amiss am Anchisen flebant, cunctaeque profundum
Pontum aspectabant flentes ; heu! tot vada fessis, Ac.

Every foot is here a spondee, except those in the
fifth place ; and it seems to me to have a wonderful
effect. There are two lines in the Iliad, one in the
A. 130 ; the other in * ; which, as they are now
written, consist of six spondees each ; but I suppose
they should be written,

ArpElhjs' t» 8* out* c«c ZuppOO (or tiuppoFo) — ,

and

Vvxnv KiK\r\<JKO)v TlarpoKkEEos 8EEAou>.

" I remain, Sir,

" Yours ever,

" C. J. FOX."

" Sib,

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

Dorchester Gaol, April 14th, 1801.

«(

" My Aristophanes with the Scholia is not
here. If I am right in my recollection, the story
probably occurs in the Scholia on the Frogs, and
would soon be found by reference to the name of
Theseus in Kuster's Index. Nor is my Burman's
Virgil with me, whose margin contains my references:
there I should probably have found the desired
passage at^En. vi. 617 ; and there, I doubt not, you
will find references in Heyne's Virgil, which will con-
duct you to other authors of the story, Apollodorus
and Pausanias, or their commentators. Heyne,
you will see, mentions the fable without its jocular
appendage ; not foreseeing your wishes on this
occasion.

414 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^tat. 52.

" Your supposition, that the verses in ^En. ii. were
Virgil's own, and omitted by him, with the reason for
that omission, pleases me entirely.

" Your opinion of a versification more dactylic in
Apollonius Rhodius than Homer will scarcely con-
tinue with you, I think, after another trial or two.
Where Homer appears spondaic, the cause is assign-
able often to a modern orthography, agreeably to a
just remark of your own at the conclusion of your
letter. It will scarcely be disputed, I believe, that
the former verse, which you cite, II. A. 130, should be
thus written, as far as the present point is concerned:

ArptFtZrris* too 8* am* ck Buf>po* cyowafaoihiv

which makes great alteration of celerity.

" Your passage of Virgil is not in iEn. iii. but &n.
v. 613, where you should observe the sluggishness of
the spondaic measures to be relieved by two elisions,
which, with a suitable rapidity of enunciation, become
equivalent to dactyls. Have you never remarked
also, in that same book, a stroke of nature and pathos
nowhere surpassed, and, as far as is known, un-
borrowed from the Greeks ? What strains of immor-
tality from verse 765 to 772 ! Heyne miserably
mars the passage, by putting nomen for numen (the
beauty of which he did not discover), into the text.
Numen is the baifiov, the existing circumstances,
chiefly of a melancholy complexion (as those of our
time and country), which influences or governs the
man and his life at that crisis ; and the verse may be

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX- 415

well compared with ^En. iii. 372, where also Heyne
appears to be inaccurate.

" Your remark on the unfrequency of the termina-
tion rjs in Homer, compared with succeeding Ionic
writers, is entirely just.

" My reason for beginning my Lectures with the
second ^Eneid was its superior importance to the first,
and its priority in order to the other important
books ; which to me are, iii. v. vi. vii. and viii.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your respectful friend,

" GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

" St. Aune'b Hill, April 1M, 1801.

" Sir,

"I am much obliged to you for your
letter ; and found immediately, from Kuster's Index,
the passage in question. It is in a note upon 'I^eis,
ver. 1365. The verses you refer to in the fifth ^Eneid
are indeed delightful ; indeed I think that sort of
pathetic is Virgil's great excellence in the JBneid,
and that in that way he surpasses all other poets of
every age and nation, except, perhaps (and only
perhaps), Shakspeare. It is on that account that I
rank him so very high; for surely to excel in that
style which speaks to the heart is the greatest of all
excellence. I am glad you mention the eighth book
as one of those you most admire. It has always been
a peculiar favourite with me. Evander's speech upon
parting with his son is, I think, the most beautiful

416 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 52.

thing in the whole, especially the part from ver. 574 ;
and is, as far as I know, wholly unborrowed. What
is more remarkable is, that it has not, I believe, been
often attempted to be imitated. It is so indeed in
Valerius Flaccus, lib. i., v. 323, but not, I think,
very successfully.

Dam metus est, nee adhuc dolor

goes too minutely into the philosophical reason to
make with propriety a part of the speech. It might
have done better as an observation of the poet's, in
his own person ; or still better, perhaps, it would
have been, to have left it to the reader. The passage
in Virgil is, I think, beyond any thing.

Sin aliquem infandum oasum

is nature itself. And then the tenderness in turning
towards Pallas,

Dum te, care puer ! Ac.

In short, it has always appeared to me divine. On
the other hand, I am sorry and surprised, that, among
the capital books, you should omit the fourth. All
that part of Dido's speech that follows,

Num fletu ingemuit nostra ?

is surely of the highest style of excellence, as well as
the description of her last impotent efforts to retain
iEneas, and of the dreariness of her situation after his
departure.

" I know it is the fashion to say Virgil has taken a
great deal in this book from Apollonius ; and it is
true that he has taken some things, but not nearly so

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 417

much as I had been taught to expect, before I read
Apollonius. I think Medea's speech, in the fourth
Argonaut, ver. 356, is the part he has made most use
of. There are some very peculiar breaks there, which
Virgil has imitated certainly, and which I think are
very beautiful and expressive : I mean, particularly,
ver. 382 in Apollonius, and ver. 380 in Virgil. To
be sure, the application is different, but the manner
is the same : and that Virgil had the passage before
him at the time, is evident from what follows :

Myrj<raio 8c /ecu wot' c/xoto,

arpsvyofitvos Kafiarouri,-— —

compared with

Supplicia hausurum scopulis et nomine Dido
Saepe vocaturura.

It appears to me, upon the whole, that Ovid has taken
more from Apollonius than Virgil.

" I was interrupted as I was writing this on
Sunday ; and have been prevented since, by company,
from going on. There is another passage in Apollo-
nius, lib. iii. 453, which Virgil has imitated too, very
closely, lib. iv. 4, &c, and in which I confess that he
has fallen very short of the original. Before I leave
Apollonius, let me ask you, whether in Medea's
speech, in the fourth book, to which I have before
alluded in ver. 381, the insertion of ov in the manner
it is there, or at least the collocation of it, is not very
unusual and awkward ? With respect to the com-
parison between Homer and him, in point of dactyls,
I cannot help being a little obstinate in my former

VOL. IV. B B

418 CORRESPONDENCE OF [-£tat. 51

opinion. I think I would even venture to put it
to this trial : Let all the long vowels and dipthongs
in Homer be resolved into two vowels, that can be
so, consistently with the metre ; and leave those
in Apollonius as we find them; and, I say, the
spondees in Homer would still exceed those in Apollo-
nius. If you change «> into «*, and tA&u/ into *\0€fjnp,
&c, in one, it would be fair to do the same, of course,
in the other. My remark, with respect to the datives
plural in Homer, is not confined to those in rja-t ; but
extends also to those in oio-i : the final iota is very
rarely omitted in either of them, except, of course,
where it is elided by a subsequent vowel. Heyne's
substitution of nomen for numen, in the lines of the
fifth iEneid, appears to me, as to you, very absurd :
but it is fair to say, that in my Roman edition of
Virgil, in which the text is taken from the Medici
MS., notice is taken of various readings, viz. ccelum in
the Vatican, and nomen in the Leyden : and then it is
added, ' In codice olim erat nomen/ By the codice
without any addition, I presume is meant the Medici;
from which, as I said, the text is uniformly professed
to be taken. What difficulty Heyne can find in
regard to numen, JEn. iii. ver. 372, is still more
incomprehensible ; but I have not his edition, nor ever
had an opportunity of looking much into it.

" Here let me finish this unconscionable Letter :
but I have dwelt the longer upon Virgil's pathetic,
because his wonderful excellence in that particular
has not, in my opinion, been in general sufficiently
noticed. The other beauties of the eighth iEneid,

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 419

such as the Rites of Hercules, and the apostrophe to
him, both of which Ovid has so successfully imitated
in the beginning of the fourth Metamorphosis ; the
story of Cacus ; the shield ; and, above all, the de-
scription of Evander's town, and of the infancy of
Rome, which appears to me, in its way, to be all but
equal to the account of Alcinoiis, in the Odyssey,
have been, I believe, pretty generally celebrated ; and
yet I do not recollect to have seen the eighth book
classed with the second, fourth, and sixth, which are
the general favourites.

" I am, with great regard, Sir,
" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

" Oobohxstkr Gaol, April 22nd, 1801.

" Sir,

" My reason for omitting ^En. iv. in the
list of those on which I proposed to give Lectures,
was not a disparaging opinion of its worth ; for, if
the delineation of human passions, in their most
operative and interesting circumstances, be meri-
torious, Virgil's success in that book has attained to
merit of the highest kind ; but because it contains
passages (such particularly as ver. 318, less delicate,
perhaps, than its parallel, Soph. Aj. 521) which would
lead to a discomposure of decorum in a miscellaneous
assembly ; and because the dramatic appears to me
less calculated for public exposition than narration
and description ; in both which Virgil supereminently

S £ 2

420 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. S.

excels. As to the second book, with which I com-
mence (if I do commence), the whole imposture of
Sinon, the catastrophe of Laocoon, and all connected
with them, are, and always were to me, the most un-
palatable parts of Virgil, and through which I always
work my way with weariness and impatience.

" That intermixture of antient history and primaeval
manners in ^En. viii. very much recommends that
book to my fancy ; as the enumeration of the
warriors is the capital excellence of the seventh ; and,
in my mind, as it exceeds everything of the same
kind in Homer, has nothing comparable to it within
the same compass in Greek and Roman poetry.
Apollonius deserves great praise on that article ; but
then, exclusive of the sentiment, the dignity of
Virgilian language, the magnificence and pomp of his
versification, who has equalled of antient or modern
artists ? Evander's farewell speech to Pallas justly
merits your applauses. I suppose that I may have
repeated to myself the twelve last verses of it once a
month for these twenty-seven years last past, upon
a moderate average computation. The epilogue to
the same subject, iEn. xii. ver. 139 — 182, is little,
if at all, inferior. The part of Evander's speech,
which you quote, has something heavy and unfinished
in the monotonous terminations of the adjoining
words : which the poet, I am inclined to think, would
have corrected on revisal :

Sin aliqum infantum c&sum .

" iEn. iv. 457 — 469, is finely imagined, and imi-

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 421

tated with great success by Ovid, and Pope in his
Eloisa.

" As for Virgil's imitations of Apollonius Rhodius,
they detract very little from his sum of excellence.
The characteristic merit of a poet is founded on his
general delineation of human character, with the
main conformation of his poem, and the concatenation
and correspondence of its parts ; not on a few inci-
dental obligations to his predecessors. On the
whole, I read Virgil's Dido with more pleasure than
the Medea of his original : one appears to me some-
what artificial and indistinct ; the other, all perspicuity
and nature.

" Your hesitation at Apollonius Rhodius, iv. 381,
and mention of the difficulty in your Letter, furnishes
me with an additional proof, to the many which I
have before experienced, how important the sugges-
tions and communications of another are found, even
with respect to passages the most familiar, and to a
superficial view the most unexceptionable. I per-
ceived instantaneously, on turning to it at your sug-
gestion, what never else, in all probability, would
have presented itself to my mind — that a slight error,
which I think you will acknowledge, occasions the
awkwardness in question. We should read, I am
persuaded :

He ftaA' cvtcXciT}* ; Tiva 8* AT tktiv ip &ap*uw
Arrjy ov fffivytpcos, k. t. A.

' Nay, rather, on the other hand — : ' which is perfectly
consonant, in my opinion, both to the power of the
particle, and the exigence of the context. But is the

422 CORRESPONDENCE OP [^Tit.5t

passage unexceptionable yet ? I think not. Brunck
perceived a difficulty, it is plain, though he says
nothing ; and he has accordingly attempted to remove
it by an interrogation at evKAeuys. But does ije ever
introduce a question, unless another rj€, or tj, precedes ?
I believe not : and, without an interrogation, it is
made in Shaw and others equivalent to r\ certe, or
brj ; which is inadmissible again ; for jye never has
any such power. I read, therefore, and the reasons
for corruption are obvious and probable,

* Certainly y very honourable/ 9 sarcastically and ironi-
cally ; which seems quite in character, and escapes all
embarrassment and exception of phraseology.

" You have a right, I believe, from an experimental
comparison of a few passages, not to be, as you
candidly express yourself, a little obstinate in your
opinion respecting the superior frequency of dactyls
in Apoll. Rhodius to Homer, but greatly persevering
in that opinion. Homer's deficiency, however, seems
ascribable to the more frequent recurrence and greater
number of his proper names ; many of which are spon-
daic in their syllables : Aias, Arp€ibr)9, Hprj, A^ixuij,

Kip**?, ITo<rei8aa)i>, Ne<7ra>p, 'Exrcop, Axauu, Obwraevs,
ITijXeiSry?, AxO&cvs, KaAtn/ra), AiroWw, 'Epfnys, 'Eppcia?,

A<f>pobiTtj t <l>iXoyLfi€ibrj9 t &c, perpetually recurring.

" I did not censure Heyne, or did not mean to
censure him, at ^En. ver. 768, for preferring nomen
as his own conjecture, but for accepting this reading
of the MSS., to the exclusion of the other. You
surprise me exceedingly by saying that you have not

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 423

Heyne. I know it has been fashionable, of late,
with many, to undervalue his exertions on Virgil, and
particularly with the Eton men, who primi rerutn
omnium esse volunt ; but I would not want his
edition, and Burman's, on any consideration: they
are absolutely essential, in my judgment, not only to
a critical perusal y but to an elegant perception of this
most accomplished and delightful author.

" My Lectures are, with me, an object of great
importance : for, without the assistance of this project,
all my schemes of future editions must be frustrated,
under the present conditions of this country, — the
monstrous price of printing in the dead languages,
and the enormous rise on paper, such as to be
doubled since my sepulture in this delectable abode.
Should this attempt on Virgil meet with tolerable
countenance, I had meditated a similar experiment
on a Greek Poet, in the winter.

" A thought comes into my head, which I do not
recollect to have imparted to you before. A very
imperfect notion is entertained in general of the
copiousness of the Latin language, by those who con-
fine themselves to what are styled the Augustan
writers. The old Comedians and Tragedians, with
Ennius and Lucilius, were the great repositories of
learned and vigorous expression : and their language,
with the diction of Lucretius and Virgil, is, to a cer-
tainty, largely preserved to us in some writers, little
read, but to me, I own, the sources of much amuse-
ment, and more information ; several of them at the
same time characterised by a truly masculine and

424 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Jitat.52.

original eloquence : Tertullian, Arnobius, Apuleius,
A. Gellius, and Ammianus Marcellinus. Their words
are usually marked in Dictionaries as inelegant and
of suspicious authority ; when they are, in reality, the
most genuine remains of pure Roman composition. I
have ever regarded the loss of the old Roman poets,
particularly Ennius and Lucilius, from the light which
they would have thrown on the formations of the
Latin language, and its derivation from the JEolian
Greek, as the severest calamity ever sustained by
philological learning.

" Another thought also, of a different complexion,
recurs to memory. I often wonder, that your highly
respectable friends in the House of Commons, w ? ho
are tossing their words with such wonderful per-
severance, day after day, to every wind that blows,
when the objection of no petitions coming against the
suspension of the Habeas-Corpus Act, &c, is urged
upon them by Ministry, do not reply, by stating the
inefficacy of petitions in one very singular and appo-
site example, — the case of the Slave Trade ; on which
occasion few counties and towns in England, to the
best of my recollection, were wanting in this effort :
with what success I need not mention.

" The stations of no men in this kingdom do I ever
feel myself inclined to regard with an eye of envy,
except those of the masters and tutors of colleges in
Oxford and Cambridge ; who are possessed of all
possible implements and opportunities to pursue and
encourage literature, and continue sleeping

— — fia\a fuucpov
artpfjuova Ptjyptrov (nrvov,

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 425

over their desirable appointments. The masters,
also, of our great public schools are placed, to my
apprehension, in enviable situations. In short, edu-
cation is of such incomparable value, in my opinion,
that I cannot help coveting the condition of every
man who is rendered capable of conducting it with
efficiency and extent.

" I remain, Sir,

" Your obedient servant,

" GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

MR FOX TO MR WAKEFIELD.

" St. Ann's Hill, April 2Sth, 1801.

" Sir,

"I am much obliged to you for your
caution about Heyne's Virgil ; and if I purchase it at
all, I will wait for the new edition. When I was a
book buyer, in my younger days, it was not in
existence ; and lately I have bought but few classical
books, except Greek ones ; and some Latin authors,
of whom I had before no edition. I had once a good
many editions of Virgil; but having had frequent
occasions to make presents, and Virgil being always
a proper book for that purpose, I have now only the
fine Roman one, in three volumes folio ; a school
Delphin ; a Variorum; and Martyn's Georgics. I
am glad to find that you are not the heretic about
the fourth book that I suspected you to be. Your
reason for omitting it may be a very good one. I
think the coarsest thing in the whole book (not
indeed in point of indecency, but in want of

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 427

something harsh and difficult in the construction
in the last lines of the epilogue. It may, perhaps,
be owing to the habit we are in of comparing him
to Homer, the most perspicuous of all poets ; but, to
say the truth, perspicuity does not appear to me to
be among Virgil's chief excellences. As we are upon
the subject of Pallas (in which the poet is always
peculiarly happy), I hope you admire the two lines,
Mn. x. 515, 516. I quite agree with you as to
Sinon and Laocoon ; though some of those passages,
which are become so trite as quotations, are in them-
selves very good ; such as ' Timeo Danaos,' ' Hoc
Ithacus velit/ &c. ; but if Sinon and Laocoon are
cold and forced, the Death of Priam, the Apparition
of Hector, &c, amply compensate. Your notion, in
respect to poets borrowing from each other, seems
almost to come up to mine, who have often been
laughed at by my friends as a systematic defender of
plagiarism: indeed, I got Lord Holland, when a
school-boy, to write some verses in praise of it ; and,
in truth, it appears to me, that the greatest poets
have been most guilty, if guilt there be, in these
matters. Dido is surely far superior to Medea in
general; but there are some parts of Apollonius,
such as lib. iii. from 453 to 463, and from 807 to
816, that appear to me unrivalled. Your correction
in Arg. iv. 380, from ov to av, must please me ; for I
had thought myself of changing the other ov, in the
following line, to av ; but I dare say your collocation is
better. The difficulty also of 7?e for y or brj had struck
me ; but seeing no notice taken of it by the editor, I

180L] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 429

often thought, on that account, of buying an edition
of him ; but have been rather discouraged, from sup-
posing that it might be necessary to know more than
I do of the controversies in which he was engaged, to
relish him properly.

"With respect to your Lectures, I should think
that Latin would succeed better than Greek authors ;
but this is very uncertain. From the audience,
however, which you may have upon the first, it
will not be difficult to collect what probability
there is of getting as good, or a better one, to the
second.

" It would be very good in argument, to state the
inefficacy of the petitions on the Slave Trade, in the
way you mention ; and I do believe that, in fact, the
supposed inefficacy of petitions has been one of the
great causes of the supineness, or rather lethargy, of
the country: but it is not true, that petitions, though
they have been ultimately unsuccessful, have been
therefore wholly inefficacious. The petitions in 1797
produced, as Mr. Pitt says (and I suspect he says
truly), the negotiation at Lisle : no great good, you
will say ; but still they were not wholly inefficacious.
And even with regard to the Slave Trade, I conceive
the great numbers which have voted with us, some-
times amounting to a majority, have been principally
owing to petitions. Even now, in this last stage of
degradation, I am not sure that if the people were
to petition generally (but it must be very generally)
that it would be without effect.

" Your attention to the unfortunate wretches you

430 CORRESPONDENCE OP [^Etat. 52.

speak of must do you the highest honour, in the eyes
of all men, even of Tory justices ; and that is saying

dapcraktov cttos.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX.

" P. S. According to your maxim of not allowing
the valuable article of paper to go unemployed, I will
trouble you with one more question, relative to Ajax,
ver. 511, and that is, how do you construe hiourerai
there ? Stevens says 'fooio-crai, apud Sophoclem, " de-
portabitur" ' as if it were a peculiar use of the word
by that poet. But I do not think deportabitur will
do in this place well. The Latin version in my edi-
tion, that is, Johnson's, printed at Eton, says deseretur ;
but how bioia-eraty which I suppose to be the future
middle of bia<f>cp€<rdai, is to mean deseretur, I do not
conceive.

" c. J. F."

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR FOX.

Doechkster Gaol, April 29th, 1801.

" Sir,

" Your Variorum Virgil, if Emmenesius's,
is a good book, and contains Servius's Exposition ;
without which every Virgil is defective, on account
of that grammarian's antiquity and real merit. There
is, in the British Museum, an unpublished MS. of
the same grammarian's, a Vocabulary of Synonymes :

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX, 431

and everything of this kind, which will soon perish
for ever, and which abounds everywhere, should be
published : and these helps to literature, if a national
concern, would not all amount to one's day's expendi-
ture by frensy and corruption.

" Mn. iv. 502, is a very difficult passage, and un-
intelligible, I own, to me. If quam be genuine, the
construction must be, quam evenit in morte Sych<ei ;
but where can such another construction with the
comparative be found? Your acceptation, in that
case must be admitted. I had conjectured, I see, jam
for quam : and I conceived the general sentiment to be
this: 'As Dido had endured that great calamity,
under lamentable circumstances (the death of Sychaeus
by her own brother, Pygmalion), without such an
act of desperation as suicide; her sister had not
anticipated this catastrophe now, nor prepared her
mind for it/ See vi. 104, 105, which seems not
much amiss : but I have referred, with approbation,
to Koen on Corinthus upon Dialects ; and that book I
sent home, to my house in the town, a few days ago.

" The imperfect state of the iEneid is sufficiently
clear from the hemistichs, little inconsistencies and
inaccuracies which the author would certainly have
corrected; but this imperfection might have been
indubitably inferred from his own dying directions
for its destruction; a piece of history, which never
admitted, to my recollection, of any controversy.
Quintilian, I presume, by his aqualitate pensamus,
means to intimate, that Virgil, if he have not taken
such lofty flights as Homer, never approaches so near

432 CORRESPONDENCE OF [-<Etat. 62.

the ground, nor degrades himself by the puerilities
and coarsenesses of his master.

" I have no Virgil here, which contains Servius ;
but you may consult him on the quid dulce meum,
and see what the Antients collected from that ex-
pression.

" As to your passage from Sophocles, r! /3Ae7ra>, fix
are not those consonants before which the Tragedians
shorten syllables.

" I call the part of ^En. xi., which finishes the story
of Pallas, the epilogue, in the rhetorical meaning of the
term ; for the lamentable termination of his warfare.
The cmXoyos was that portion of the oration which
was devoted to commiseration only ; and as this was
the conclusion, the term gained the secondary sense,
afterwards, of conclusion in general. A beautiful
passage in Longinus owes its excellence to this pri-
mary and proper use of the word, perceived by no
editor before Toup : where Longinus, in speaking of
those parts in the Odyssey which relate the death of
Antilochus and the other Grecian chiefs, in allusion also
to the v€Kvofiairr€ia, calls that poem the epilogue of the
Iliad ; i. e. tint funeral oration, as it were, of those
heroes whose living adventures had been celebrated
in the former poem.

"Certainly iEn. x. 515, 516, are highly spirited;
and the vivacity of the conceptions is well delineated
by the rapidity of the composition, unfettered by
copulatives, and unretarded by epithets. The se-
cond iEneid, abating those exceptions of Sinon and
Laocoon, is incomparable. The exordium is most

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX, 438

dignified and solemn, as well as natural and pathetic
to perfection ; and what follows the introduction to the
havoc of the Greeks, after issuing from their retreat,
exhibits, to my fancy — in an adequate display of
events, the most awful and affecting, of the most
turbulent and soft emotions — all the capacities of
human genius.

" With respect to imitation, much may be said on
so copious a subject. The uniformity of Nature sup-
plies, of course, those thoughts which inevitably sug-
gest themselves to every contemplator, but which
become the property of the first occvpant ; so that
sameness and similarity often subsist without imita-
tion in reality. Then, as few poets have written
without some excellences, these catch the peculiar
attention of every succeeding genius, and are often
imperceptibly assimilated with his own ideas, and
often borrowed for the purpose of different applica-
tion or improvement. Virgil's Georgics arose pro-
bably from the works of Hesiod and Nicander ; but
how much superior to one, and probably to the other ?
The same of Pope's Rape of the Lock, and many
other poems, which would be but ill exchanged for
their originals. There is scarcely a verse in Virgil,
Milton, and Pope, that does not savour of their pre-
decessors; and yet they will ever be acknowledged
as prime artists in Parnassus.

"As to Apoll. Rhod. iv. 386, it is rather observable,
that Brunck has put into the text his conjecture,
which is also yours, ck 8* TE trarp-qr and that I, from
observing (as fully shown in my Nodes Carceraria)

VOL. IV. F P

431 CORRESPONDENCE OF [<£tat. 52.

how rE follows the pronouns, had conjectured on my
margin, Avtlk ejiai T eAao-ctar ; and this is confirmed
by two Paris MSS.

" One reads Tertullian purely for his style and con-
ceptions, not for the pertinency of his argumentation.
They were miserable advocates of their own system.
Apuleius is to Cicero, and such writers, what Burke,
in his most glorious extravagances, is to Addison or
Swift, as to composition.

"As to petitions to Parliament, many powerful
impediments stand in their way. 1. The political
acrimony of the times, which terrifies some of inde-
pendent conditions ; and many, who subsist by their
superiors. 2. The general and constitutional indif-
ference of the majority in all societies, who prefer
indolence with suffering, to the chance of redress
from exertion and activity. 3. The more extended
speculations of some, who cannot acquiesce in those
formalities of language, respecting Royalty and
Parliaments, which commonly enter into these peti-
tions. 4. The expense, more or less, of such efforts,
which usually falls on a few ; and on whom the
demands of all sorts, for money, have been pressing
and frequent during the war, in consequence of
their principles. My experience and connections
have led me to some knowledge of these matters.
I have a brother at Nottingham, who is a prime
mover in all business of a public nature, whether
political or benevolent, to an extent, and with an
estimation among his townsmen, with which, I
believe, no private individual in this country can

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 435

compare; and my own actual observation agrees
with his reports. 5. The tricks in counteracting,
and counter-petitioning, are innumerable, and too
successful.

" As to the prisoners here, not a man among them
but would be reformed to a certainty, by good in-
struction from those who proved themselves kindly
interested in their welfare by their actions ; and it is
most afflicting to see them sentenced by the justices
to one, two, &c, to seven years, for the veriest trifles,
if all the circumstances of their condition be con-
sidered. Time, and the necessity of endurance, will
blunt the acutest sensations of the heart ; but the
miseries sustained by these unhappy people, without
one effort of instruction and reformation, in the
midst of keen hunger (which the prison allowance
leaves in painful exertion unremittingly), when I first
came among them, prest down my spirit to the
earth :

KAcuov €Vi \*x t((r(ri Kafatyisvos, ovSc w fxot icrip
H0cA' crt (cKty, kcu bp^v <paos r)t\toio.

"As to hioLorerai in Soph. Aj. 511, 1 see, from my
margin, that Suidas touches on the word ; but I
have no Suidas here, nor any Sophocles with Notes
or Scholia. The sense of the word, however, if you
do not look too far, but consider only its simple
energy, is most satisfactory and evident. Aiafapv
is essentially and literally to carry through ; and, in
the middle voice, to carry one's self through. ' How
then, when forsaken by you, will he carry himself

F F 2

486 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Atat. 62.

through (get himself through — go through, i. e. life),
under guardians of unkindly manners and affec-
tions ? '

" I remain, Sir,

" Yours respectfully,

•« GILBERT WAKEFIfcLD."

MR. FOX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, June 5th, 1801.

" Sir,

" I was called to town upon business just
after the receipt of your last Letter ; and partly by
going backwards and forwards, partly by company
here, I have been so taken up, that I have had little
time to myself. But if I do not write now, I think,
by my computation, that I shall scarcely have an
opportunity of directing another Letter to Dorchester
Gaol. I am much obliged for the great quantity of
information which your latter Letters have given me ;
but at this moment have only time to notice one or
two points. £A, you tell me (and I doubt not but
you are right), are not two letters before which the
Tragedians make vowels short. I was led to suppose
they were, from rA, *a, 7rA, 0A, x*, <I>K being undoubtedly
of that description. Your information diminishes
considerably the number of instances which had
occurred to me, against Porson's dictum, in his Note
upon Orestes, ver. 64. If y\ and yv are taken from
me, it will be diminished still more : but even then
I have some instances remaining; and have no

t

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 437

doubt, upon reading with that view, of finding many
more, as those I had collected were entirely by
chance. For the present, take two : Medea, 246,
and Euripides' Electra, 1058. Upon looking again
at Medea's speech, in the fourth book of Apollonius,
I doubt whether rye be not used, ver. 357, in nearly
the same way as Brunck, when he puts the note of
interrogation, supposes it to be, ver. 380 ; and yet I
can conceive or, by an ellipsis of the sense, to have a
meaning in ver. 357 which it cannot have in ver.
380.

"I sincerely congratulate you, upon your being
arrived so near to the end of a confinement which
I shall ever consider to have been as disgraceful to
the government of the country, as it has been
honourable to you.

" Your obedient servant,

" c. J. FOX."

SAME TO SAME.

"St. Ann's Hill, June Vth y 1801.

"Dear Sir,

" Fenton, in a sort of note prefixed to his
translation of Sappho to Phaon, says, that we learn
from the Antients that Phaon was an old mariner,
restored to youth by Venus. In Burman's Ovid
there is a note from Egnatius, referring to some
other work of his (Egnatius's) upon the subject;
and there is some reference too, in my Variorum
Ovid, to ^Elian's Various History, which I have not.

438 CORRESPONDENCE OF [^Etat. 52.

This is not a very important subject of inquiry ; but

I own I have a sort of curiosity concerning this

history of Phaon, which if you can instruct me how

to gratify you will much oblige me.

" I sincerely hope you are better satisfied with the

state of your son's health than you seemed to be

when you were here. If accident (I hope not of

the same sort as the last) should bring you again

this way, I flatter myself you will make me a longer

visit.

" I am, dear Sir,

" Yours ever,

" c. j. fox.-

MR. WAKEFIELD TO MR. FOX.

Hackney, August 12&, 1801.

it

"Dear Sir,

" I hope, in no long time, to be able to
consult my books, with a view of answering the
queries in your last favour, as I have taken a
house in Charter House Square, to which I expect
to remove by the latter end of next week.

" There is, at a bookseller's in Oxford Street, a
large-paper Brunck's Apollonius Rhodius, price
eighteen shillings. The book is become so scarce
as not be procured in common paper; but I could
not determine whether you would choose a finer
copy, or I would have secured it for you.

" I am, Sir,
" Your respectful and obliged friend,

" GILBERT WAKEFIELD."

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 4S9

MR POX TO MR. WAKEFIELD.

"St. Ann's Hill, August 21«t, 1801.

"Dear Sir,

" On my return hither yesterday, from a
short excursion, I found your Letter, with its inclo-
sure, which I return. It is a piece of news to me
(that would be very agreeable, if it were true), that
I have finished an historical work. That I have
begun one, is true ; and that I have had numerous
applications relative to the publishing, is equally so :
and I should be obliged to you, if you would give
the same answer to Mr. Phillips that I have given to
other applicants; which is, that I do not mean to
decide on the mode of publication, much less upon
the bookseller to be employed, till the work is nearly
finished \ and till that time I wish to remain entirely
unfettered by any promise or engagement. The hard
usage Mr. P. experienced at Leicester would certainly
incline me at any time to do him a good office, if it
were in my power.

"I should be very glad to have the copy you
mention of Brunck's Apollonius; and if you had
mentioned the name of the bookseller in Oxford
Street where it is, I would have written to him. If
you have an opportunity, I will trouble you to bid
him send it me by the stage, and I will remit him
the price.

" I have found, since I wrote to you, a great deal
about Phaon, by looking into Bayle, w r ho referred me

440 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 50.

to Lucian ; a note in Heyne's Virgil, which I found
at Woburn, and Palsephatus, which I have not seen,
but from whom there are extracts, in some of the
books I have looked into, containing, as I suppose, all
he says upon the subject.

"I observe in Brunck's Analecta, which I have
lately purchased, that he takes no notice of the
doubts concerning the authenticity of the Remains of
Anacreon. I have always supposed them modern;
but I understand there has been discovered a Manu-
script which proves them to be of a certain degree
of antiquity, or at least not a forgery of H. Stephens.
The style of them appears to me very modern ; but
yet that preserved in A. Gellius bears a strong resem-
blance to some of the others. As to their being
really Anacreon's, I should require very strong evi-
dence to satisfy me.

" Yours ever,

«CJ. FOX."

LETTERS FROM MR. FOX TO MR. TROTTER.

LETTER I.

"St. Ann's Hill, Fthruary 21 tt, 1799.

" My dear Sir,

" I do assure you, your letter of the 28 th
ultimo, gave both Mrs. F. and myself the highest
satisfaction, as it was a long time since we had heard
from you, and had learned from Bob that you had
been very ill. He is not now here, but the next time

1799.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 441

1 see him, I will tell him how shabby it is of him not
to write to you.

" I am sorry to hear your account of the people of
the North, and I think they are bad politicians not to
see that the support of tho Anti-unionists would
infallibly lead to the procuring of the substance,
instead of the name, of a parliament. The Anti-
unionists must feel (and this was my opinion before
their defeat on Lord Corry's motion) that they are far
too weak to struggle against our minister, without
the assistance of the people ; and, consequently, they
must accede to Reform of Parliament, Catholic Eman-
cipation, and, in one word, to a real and substantial
representation of the people, which must produce
a government as popular and democratic as any
government ought to be. As things are, I am
afraid they will fail for want of support, and that
even the Union itself may be forced upon you ; and
then the consequences, either way, will be dreadful
indeed.

" We are very glad you think of being in England
in April, when I hope you will come and hear our
nightingales. We have had a great deal of bad
weather, but it is growing better, and the crocuses,
snowdrops, &c, are giving us, every day, beautiful
indications of approaching spring. Mrs. F. desires
to be kindly remembered to you.

" I am, my dear Sir,

" Yours ever,

" C. J. FOX."
" John B. Trotter, Esq., Vianttovm,

near DuumpcUrick, Ireland."

442 CORRESPONDENCE OP [-Era. 5L

LETTER IL

" St. Ann's Hill, Thursday.

" Dear Sir,

" I received by Tuesday's coach your
pamphlet upon the Union, and your verses, for which
Mrs. F. particularly desires me to thank you ; we
both like them very much. I think you put your
objections to the Union entirely upon the right
grounds ; whether there is spirit in Ireland to act up
to your principles, is another question. I do not
know whether you ever heard that it is a common
observation, that Irish orators are generally too
figurative in their language for the English taste;
perhaps I think parts of your pamphlet no exception
to this observation ; but this is a fault (if it be a
fault) easily mended.

" As to Italian, I am sure, from what you said,
that you are quite far advanced enough, to make a
master an unnecessary trouble and expense ; and there-
fore it is no excuse for your not coming, especially,
as it is a study in which I can give you, and would
certainly give you with pleasure, any assistance you
could wish. In German, the case is, to be sure,
quite different, as I do not know a word of it, nor
have any German books ; of Italian, you know we
have plenty.

" I am sure I need not tell you, that whenever you
do come, you will be welcome.

" Yours ever,

"C. J. FOX.*

1800.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 443

LETTER III.

" I know of no better, nor, indeed, scarce of any
other life of Cicero, than Middleton's. He is certainly
very partial to him, but, upon the whole, I think
Cicero was a good man. The salutary effect of the
burning of his houses, which you mention, is, indeed,
too evident ; I do not think quite so ill of his poem
upon Caesar as you do ; because I presume he only
flattered him upon the points where he really deserved
praise ; and as to his flatteries of him after he. was
dictator, in his speeches for Ligarius and Marcellus, I
not only excuse, but justify, and even commend
them, as they were employed for the best of purposes,
in favour of old friends, both to himself and the
republic. Nay, I even think that his manner of
recommending to Caesar (in the pro Marcello) the*
restoration of the republic, is even bold and spirited.
— After all, he certainly was a man liable to be
warped from what was right either by fear or vanity ;
but his faults seem so clearly to have been infirmi-
ties, rather than bad principles or bad passions,
that I cannot but like him, and, in a great measure,
esteem him too. The openness with which, in his
private letters, he confesses himself to be ashamed
of part of his conduct, has been taken great advantage
of by detractors, as an aggravation, whereas I think
it a great extenuation of his faults. I ought to
caution against trusting to the translations in Middle-
ton ; they are all vile, and many of them unfaithful.

444 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtxi.

" If your sister does not understand Latin, yi
should translate them for her yourself. I do assu
you, my dear Sir, it always gives Mrs. P. and n
great pleasure to hear from you, and especially win
it is to inform us that you are well and happy.
" Yours ever,

"C J. FOX.* 1

LETTER IV.

" St. Ann's Hill, Monday.

" I was much gratified, my dear Sir, with yoi
letter, as your taste seems so exactly to agree wit
mine ; and am, very glad, for your sake, that yo
have taken to Greek, as it will now be very easy t
you, and if I may judge from myself, will be one c
the greatest sources of amusement to you. Home
and Ariosto have always been my favourites, there i
'something so delightful in their wonderful facility
and yie apparent absence of all study, in their expres
siou, which is almost peculiar to them. I think yo»
must be very partial, however, to find but two fault
in the twelve books of the Iliad. The passage in tin
ninth book, about Aim, appears to me, as it does t<
you, both poor and forced ; but I have no great objec-
tion to that about the wall in the twelfth, though, tc
be sure, it is not very necessary. The tenth book
has always been a particular favourite with me, nol
so much on account of Diomede's and Ulysses's
exploits (though that part is excellent too), as or
account of the beginning, which describes so forcibly
the anxious state of the generals, with an enemy sc

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 445

near, and having had rather the worst of the former
day. I do not know any description any where that
sets the thing so clearly before one ; and then the
brotherly feelings of Agamemnon towards Menelaus,
and the modesty and amiableness of Menelaus's cha-
racter (whom Homer, by the way, seems to be par-
ticularly fond of) are very affecting. Ariosto has
certainly taken his night expedition either from
Homer's or from Virgil's Nisus and Euryalus. I
scarcely know which I prefer of the three ; I rather
think Virgil's ; but Ariosto has one merit beyond the
others, from the important consequences which arise
from it to the story. Tasso (for he, too, must have
whatever is in the Iliad or ^Eneid) is a very poor
imitation, as far as I recollect.

" I suppose, as soon as you have done the Iliad,
you will read the Odyssey ; which, though certainly
not so fine a poem, is, to my taste, still pleasanter to
read. Pray let me know what parts of it strike you
most, and believe me you cannot oblige me more
than by corresponding on such subjects. Of the
other Greek poets, Hesiod, Pindar, Eschylus, Sopho-
cles, Euripides, Apollonius Rhodius, and Theocritus,
are the most worth reading. Of the Tragedians, I
like Euripides the best ; but Sophocles is, I believe,
more generally preferred, and is certainly more
finished, and has fewer gross faults. Theocritus, in
his way, is perfect ; — the two first Idylls, particularly,
are excellent. I suppose the ode you like is Abuvw a
KvOrjprj, which is pretty enough, but not such as to
give you any adequate idea of Theocritus. There i3

CORRESPONDENCE OF

L

an elegy upon Adonis, by Bion, which is in par
very beautiful, and particularly some lines of it upo
the common-place of Death, which have been imitate
over and over again, but have never been equallet
In Hesiod, the account of Pandora, of the Golde
Age, &c., and some other parts, are very good ; bu
there is much that is tiresome. Perhaps the work
which is most generally considered as not his, I meai
the Aims, is the one that has most poetry in it. I
is very good, and to say that it is inferior to Homer 1 !
and Virgil's shields, is not saying much against it
Pindar is too often obscure, and sometimes rnucl
more spun out and wordy than suits my taste ; but
there are passages in him quite divine. I have not
read above half his works. Apollonius Rhodius is,
I think, very well worth reading. The beginning ol
Media's love is, I believe, original, and though often
copied since, never equalled. There are many other
fine parts in his poem, besides some which Virgil
has improved, others scarce equalled. There is,
however, in the greater part of the poem an appear-
ance of labour, and a hardness, that makes it tiresome.
He seems to me to be an author of about the same
degree of genius with Tasso ; and if there is more
in the latter to be liked, there is nothing, I think,
to be liked in him so well as the parts of Apollo-
nius to which I have alluded. I have said nothing
of Aristophanes, because I never read him. Calli-
machus and Moschus are worth reading; but there
is little of them. By the way, I now recollect that
the passage about death, which I said was in Bion's

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 447

elegy upon Adonis, is in Moschus's upon Bion. Now
you have all my knowledge about Greek poetry. I
am quite pleased at your liking Ariosto so much ;
though indeed I foresaw you would, from the great
delight you expressed at Spenser, who is certainly
inferior to him, though very excellent too. Tasso, I
think below both of them, but many count him the
first among those three ; and even Metastasio, who
ought to be a better judge of Italian poetry than you
or I, gives him upon the whole the preference to
Ariosto.

" You will, of course, have been rejoiced at the
peace, as we all are. Mrs. F. desires to be remem-
bered to you kindly. She is very busy just now, but
will write to you soon. I think this place has looked
more beautiful than ever this year, both in spring and
summer, and so it does now in autumn. I have been
very idle about my History, but I will make up for it
by and bye ; though I believe I must go to Paris, to
look at some papers there, before I can finish the first
volume. I think in the last half of the Iliad vou will
admire the 16th, 20th, 22d, and 24th books particu-
larly. I believe the general opinion is, that Homer
did write near the shore, and he certainly does, as
you observe, particularly delight in illustrations taken
from the sea, — waves, &c. Perhaps a lion is rather
too frequent a simile with him. I dare say you were
delighted with Helen and Priam on the walls in the
3d book ; and I suspect you will be proportionably
disgusted with Taisso's servile and ill-placed imitation
of it. Do not imagine, however, that I am not

4« COR&ESPOXDE3TCE OF IJBtax. &

sensible to many beauties in Tasso, especially the
parts imitated by Spenser, Erminia's flight and
adventure, the description of the pestilence, and many
others.

%i I am, dear Sir,

- Most trulv,

" Yours ever,

1901.) ~ a * F ° 3L '

LETTER V.

" Mt dear Sir,

" I am quite scandalized at having so long
delayed answering your letters, but I put it off, as I
am apt to do everything, from day to day, till Christ-
mas: and on that day, Mrs. F. was taken very
seriously ill with a fever, and sore throat of the in-
flammatory kind. The violence of the disorder was
over this day se'nnight, but though she has been
mending ever since, she is still weak. However, she
may now be called, comparatively speaking, quite well ;
and I did not like to write till I could tell you that
she was so. I hope you go on with your Greek, and
long to know whether you are as fond of the Odyssey
as I am, as also what progress you have made in the
other poets. The PlutarcAas, whom you ask after,
is, I believe, the same Plutarch who wrote the lives,
and who certainly was of Chaeronea. At least, I
never heard of any other author of that name, and he
wrote many philosophical works. I think when you

1801.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 449

say you despise Tasso, you go further than I can do,
and though there is servility in his manner of imi-
tation, which is disgusting, yet it is hardly fair to be
angry with him for translating a simile of Homer's, a
plunder, if it be one, of which nearly every poet has
been guilty. If there be one who has not, I suspect
it is he whom you say you are going to read, I mean
Dante. I have only read part of Dante, and admire
him very much. I think the brilliant passages are
thicker set in his works, than in those of almost any
other poet ; but the want of connection and interest
makes him heavy ; and besides the difficulty of his
language, which I do not think much of, the obscurity
of that part of history to which he refers is much
against him. His allusions, in which he deals not a
little, are, in consequence, most of them lost.

" I agree in liking Armida, but cannot help think-
ing Rinaldo's detention in her gardens very inferior to
Ruggiero's.

u

Or fino agli occhi ben nuota nel golfo
Delle delizie e delle cose belle,"

may seem to some an expression rather too familiar,
and nearly foolish ; but it is much better for de-
scribing the sort of situation in which the two heroes
are supposed to be, than the Romito Amante of Tasso ;
not to mention the garden of Armida being all on the
inside of the palace, and walled round by it, instead
of the beautiful country described by Ariosto. Do
you not think, too, that Spenser has much improved
upon Tasso, by giving the song in praise of pleasure

VOL. IV. O O

v.

■ 1

•I
.»

;«
M

450 CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mia

to a nymph rather than to a parrot ? Pray, if
want any information about Greek poets or oth
that I can give you, do not spare me, for it is a g]
delight to me to be employed upon such subje
',: with one who has a true relish for them.

" I do not wonder at your passionate admirat
of the Iliad, and agree with you as to the pecu
beauty of most of the parts you mention. The in1
view of Priam and Achilles is, I think, the finest
all. I rather think, that in Andromache's first lam
jj! tation, she dwells too much upon her child, and

ji little upon Hector, but may be I am wrong.

I your referring to the 4th book only for Agamemno

| brotherly kindness, I should almost suspect that j

' | had not sufficiently noticed the extreme delicacy a

■•■ kindness with which he speaks of him in the 10

i3 ver. 120, &c.

" We have not at all fixed our time for going
Paris yet. Mrs. F. desires to be most kindly reme
bered to you.

" I am very truly,

" My dear Sir, yours ever,

"C. J. FOX

" I do not know which is the best translation
Don Quixote; I have only read Jarvis's, which
think very indifferent. I liked Peijoo veiy mu
when I read him, but I have not his works/'

I 11

1802.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 451

LETTER VL

St. Ann's Hill, Thursday.

«•

" My dear Sir,

" You made Mrs. F. and me very happy,
by letting us know you had had so pleasant a tour,
and that your sister and yourself were so well after
your fatigues ; though we both think your walks on
some days must have been too long. I am not sorry
that Mrs. F., who is very busy to-day, has commis-
sioned me to answer your letter for her, as it gives
me an opportunity of mentioning something to you
which I have had in my head some time. We are,
as you know, going abroad soon, chiefly on account
of some state papers which are at Paris, and which it
is necessary for me, with a view to my History, to
inspect carefully ; but we also think of taking in our
way a tour through Flanders to Spa. It has some-
times occurred to me, that this would not be a bad
opportunity for you to gratify a curiosity, which you
can scarcely be without, of seeing something on the
continent, and Paris particularly. We have a place
in our carriage, and of course you would be our guest
when at Spa, Paris, &c. I am sure it will be an
additional motive with you to know that, besides the
pleasure of your company, your assistance in examin-
ing and extracting from the papers at Paris, would
be materially useful to me ; but I would by no means
have this consideration weigh with you, unless the
plan is otherwise suitable and agreeable to you. I

o o 2

.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 453

road. We are very happy at the thoughts of
our accompanying us, and I make no doubt but we
hall have a pleasant tour. Do not by any means
liurry yourself, as I think the 18th or 19th of the
xnonth will be the earliest day on which we possibly
csan set out, but I will write again on Tuesday (the
day of my election) from London, by which time I
may be able to tell you something more certain, and
at any rate you will not be too late by waiting for
that letter. Mrs. P. desires to be kindly remem-
bered.

" Yours ever,

" c. J. FOX."

LETTER VIII.
" Shakespeare Tavern, Co vent Garden, 7 th July.

" My dear Sir,

" I had intended to write yesterday, think-
ing I should have no opposition here, and that of
course I could tell you, with some certainty, the day
of our setting out ; but there is an opposition, which,
though foolish and contemptible to the last degree,
may occasion the poll to be protracted, which leaves
me in great uncertainty. At all events, the 21st
is the earliest day I can think of, even upon the
supposition that this business is over this week ; if
it lasts, our journey cannot take place till the 29th
or 30th; however, I will write to you again to-
morrow, or next day. Write a line, directed to St.
Ann's Hill ; or set out, and make up your mind to

4M CORRESPONDENCE OF [Mtaz «.

the chance of being kept some days in this vile place;
at St. Ann's, I know you would not mind it.

" Yours ever,

"C. J. POX.

" NTJMBIBS :—

Fox 504

Gardner 401

Graham 198'*

LETTER IX.
" Shakispbare, Coveht Gardkn, 9th July.

" Mt dear Sir,

" Though this vile election is not over, nor

will be, I believe, for some time, yet I can now fix

the time of our departure, with a reasonable certainty,

for the 23rd or 24th of this month. I have no time

to write more.

" Yours ever,

" a j. fox.

" OTMBKB8 : —

Fox 1104

Gardner 1081

Graham 538"

" I shall go to St. Ann's Hill to-morrow, and only
come here occasionally, next week."

LETTER X.

"Vabib, October 27th.

" Mt dear Sir,

" Mrs. Fox has had two letters from yon,
one from Dover, which was longer coming than any
letter ever was, and one from Chester, and desires

1802.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 455

me to thank you for her, though she has no excuse,
that I know of, except idleness, for not doing so
herself. She has had another bad cold, with rheu-
matism, but is, thank God, nearly well. We do not
wonder at your finding the difference between French
and English manners, in casual acquaintance, very
great ; and I doubt much, whether we have any
great superiority in more intimate connections, to
compensate our inferiority in this respect ; you re-
member, no doubt, Cowper's character of us in the
Task ; it is excellent.

"I do not think we have seen any thing worth
mentioning since you went, or rather since Mrs. F.
wrote to you after her presentation ; only we were
one day at Raincy, formerly the Duke of Orleans's,
which, though in a state of neglect, is still very
beautiful. We have seen Madame Duchesnois again,
in Roxane, in Bajazet, and either the part suited
her better than the others, or she is very much
improved. My work is finished, and we stay now
only in expectation of my brother, who writes word
that he will be here the 2nd of November ; we shall,
of course, stay some days with him, and set out, I
think, the 7th. I have made visits to your friends
the consuls, and dined with Le Brun ; he seems
heavy, but if he is the author, as they say he is, of
the Chancellor Maupeoux's addresses to the parlia-
ment at the end of Louis XVIth's reign, it must be
his situation that has stupified him, for they are
very good indeed. As you had a curiosity about
an over-turn, it is very well it was satisfied at so

456 CORRESPONDENCE OF (>Etat. H

cheap a rate. We shall be very glad to hear thai
your mode of travelling has been attended with nc
worse consequences.

" I suppose you will now go in earnest to law. — I
do not know much of the matter, but I suspect that
a regular attendance (and with attention) to the
courts, is still more important than any reading what-
ever ; you, of course, read Blackstone over and over
again; and if so, pray tell me whether you agree
with me in thinking his style of English the very
best among our modern writers ; always easy and
intelligible; far more correct than Hume, and less
studied and made up than Robertson. It is a pity
you did not see, while you were here, Villoison, the
great Grecian, if it were only for the purpose of
knowing how fast it is possible for the human voice
to go without indistinctness. I believe he could
recite the whole Iliad in four hours. He has a great
deal of knowledge of all kinds, and it is well he
has, for, at his rate, he would run out a moderate
stock in half an hour. I hope soon to hear you are
got safe to Dublin ; direct your next to St. Ann's
Hill, where we hope to be by the 1 3th of next month.
I find the baronet and Grattan are both in England,
so I have no message to send to your country. We
have just begun the Roman Comique, and have
already found the originals of several of Fielding's
bloody noses, &c. which made you so angry. We
are just going to pay a visit to the museum.

" Your affectionate friends,

"a j. fox.

" Hotel de Richelieu, 2Sth October. « E. FOX."

3302.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 457

LETTER Xm.

" St. Ann's Hill, Friday.

" My dear Sir,

" Pray do not think you trouble me, but
quite the contrary, by writing to me, and especially
on the subject of your poetical studies. What I do
not like in your letter is, your account of yourself ;
and I am afraid a winter in Dublin, which may be
so useful to you in other respects, may not be quite
so well for your health ; which, after all, is the grand
article. Mrs. F. has not written lately, because you
had not told her how to direct; and as she had
not heard of your receiving the last letter she directed
to Glasnevin, she feared that might not do. She
desires me to say every thing that is kind to you.

"I am very glad you prefer Euripides to Sophocles,
because it is my taste ; though I am not sure that it
is not thought a heresy. — He (Eur.) appears to me
to have much more of facility and nature in his way
of writing than the other. The speech you mention
of Electra is, indeed, beautiful ; but when you have
read some more of Euripides, perhaps you will not
think it quite unrivalled. Of all Sophocles's plays,
I like Electra clearly the best, and I think your
epithet to (Ed. Tyr. a very just one ; it is really to
me a disagreeable play ; and yet there are many who
not only prefer it to Electra, but reckon it the finest
specimen of the Greek theatre. I like his other two
plays upon the Theban story both better, i. e. the

L

*"Li Cci. asd ~jat Vzisxx- In the latter ther
x rassKK n rkt aaswsr 13 Creon that is, perfa
Ke Jn'-i" — ■■<: a. zhe wvxid ; and. in manv part
:£* j*ay -jeire ^ a nxtj »ha*t miraculous, if, s
M sail >:co:*ies w» pa*! eighty when be compc
i: Ckero has tr*k (Kit use of the passag
allude to. is SB cca»» for MDo. I suppose
selected Hipp, and Ipo. in Anus, on account
Racine : aad I hope you have observed with w
extreme judgment he has imitated them. In
character of Hipp- only. I think he has fallen sh
cf his original. The scene of Phaedra's discover?
her lore to her nurse, he has imitated pretty close
and if be has do! surpassed it. it is only because tl
was impossible. His Clrtemnestra. too. is excelle
but would have been better if he had ventured
bring on the young Orestes as Eur. does. T
change which you mention in the Greek Iphigen;
I like extremely ; but it is censured by Aristotle
a change of character. — not, I think, justly. Perha
the sudden change in Menelaus. which be also ce
sures. is less defensible. Xow, though the two pla;
of Eur. which you have read, are undoubtedly amoi
his best, I will venture to assure you, that there a
four others you will like full as well ; Medea, Phc
nissae, Heraclida?, and AJcestis ; with the last
which, if I know any thing of your taste, you will 1
enchanted. Many faults are found with it, bi
those faults lead to the greatest beauties. Fi
instance, if Hercules 's levity is a little improper in
tragedy, his shame afterwards, and the immedia

1802.] CHARLES JAKES FOX. 459

consequence of that shame being a more than human
exertion, afford the finest picture of an heroic mind
that exists. The speech beginning o> irokka rkaau
Kapha, &c. is divine. Besides the two you have
read, and the four I have recommended, Hercules
Furens, Iph. in Tauris, Hecuba, Bacchae, and Troa-
des, are all very excellent. Then come Ion, Sup-
plices, Electra and Helena ; Orestes and Andromache
are, in my judgment, the worst. I have not men-
tioned Rhesus and Cyclops, because the former is
not thought to be really Euripides's, and the latter
is entirely comic, or rather a very coarse farce;
excellent, however, in its way, and the conception of
the characters not unlike that of Shakespeare in
Caliban. I should never finish, if I were to let my-
self go upon Euripides. In two very material points,
however, he is certainly far excelled by Sophocles:
1st, in the introduction of proper subjects in the
songs of the chorus; and, 2dly, in the manage-
ment of his plot. The extreme absurdity of the
chorus in Medea suffering her to kill her children,
and of that in Phaedra letting her hang herself, with-
out the least attempt to prevent it, has been often
and justly ridiculed ; but what signify faults, where
there are such excessive beauties ? Pray write soon,
and let me know, if you have read more of these
plays, what you think of them.

" If you do not go to Dublin before my brother
returns, you had better commission somebody to call
at the Royal Hospital, for some books of which Mrs.
H. Fox took the charge for you, but which, as she

460 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JSiux. 54.

writes, she does not know where to send. I think mv
brother's return a very bad symptom of the inten-
tions of government with regard to poor Ireland ; but
that is a subject as fruitful, though not so pleasant,
as that of Euripides.

" Yours, ever most truly,

"C. J. POX.

" P.S. When you have read the two farewell
speeches of Medea and Alcestis to their children, I
do not think you will say that Electra's is quite
unrivalled, though most excellent undoubtedly it is."

LETTER XIV.

" St. Ann'b Hill, Monday.

"My dear Sir,

" I enclose you a letter for Mr. G. Pon-
sonby, to whom also I mentioned you in a letter I
wrote him a few days since, upon another subject.
We are very happy, indeed, to hear so much better
account of your health, than that which you gave in
your former letters. Now that you are settled in
Dublin, and hard at it with the law, I ought not,
according to common notions, to answer your ques-
tions about iEschylus, &c, but I am of opinion, that
the study of good authors, and especially poets, ought
never to be intermitted by any man who is to speak
or write for the public, or, indeed, who has any occa-
sion to tax his imagination, whether it be for argu-
ment, for illustration, for ornament, for sentiment, or
any other purpose. I said nothing of iEschylus,

1803.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 461

because I know but little of him ; I read two of his
plays, the Septem apud Thebas, and the Prometheus,
at Oxford ; of which I do not remember much, ex-
cept that I liked the last far the best. I have since
read the Eumenides, in which there are, no doubt,
most sublime passages ; but in general the figures
are too forced and hard for my taste ; and then there
is too much of the grand and terrific, and gigantic,
without a mixture of anything, either tender or plea-
sant, or elegant which keeps the mind too much on
the stretch. This never suits my taste ; and I feel
the same objection to most parts of the Paradise Lost,
though in that poem there are most splendid ex-
ceptions, Eve, Paradise, &c. I have heard that the
Agamemnon, if you can conquer its obscurity, is the
finest of all JEschylus's plays, and I will attempt it
when I have a little time. I quite long to hear how
you are captivated with Alcestis, for captivated I am
sure you will be.

" Mrs. Fox desires to be remembered kindly ; we
have been a great deal from home these last two
months, twice at Lord Robert's, and at Woburn, and
Mr. Whitbread's ; we are now here, as I hope, to
stay with little interruption ; and very happy we are
to be here quietly again, though our parties were very
pleasant ; and I think change of air at this time of
the year is always good for the colds to which Mrs.
Fox is so subject.

" I was just going to end without noticing Pindar;
I dare say the obscurities are chiefly owing to our
want of means of making out the allusions ; his style

103 CORRESPONDENCE OP [Ju

is more full of allusions than that of any other p
except, perhaps, Dante, who is on that account
difficult, and as I think on that account only. 1
fine passages in Pindar are equal to, if not bevo
anything ; but the want of interest in the subjet
and, if it is not blasphemy to say so, the excess:
profusion of words, make him something borderi
upon tedious. There is a fire in the celebrated passa
in the 2nd Olympic, which begins <ro^os 6 woAAa «8
<pvq, that is quite unequalled in any poem wbateve
and the sweetness in the preceding part, describh
the happy islands, is in its way almost as good. Pn
let us hear from you soon, that you are well, an
happy ; if you read the Heraclidse of Euripides, pra
tell me if you are particularly struck by one passag
in Demophoon's part ; if you miss it, I will point
out to you.

" Yours sincerely,

"C. J. FOX.

"P. S. Woodlarks are said to be very common i
the West of England ; here we have a few, and bu
few. The books which you left were sent by m
brother, but he not being able to find your directior
brought them back."

LETTER XV.

" St. Ann's Hill, Tuetday.

"Mr dear Sir,

" I heard yesterday, for the first time, ;
report that you had been very unwell ; pray lose n<
time in writing me a line, either to contradict tin

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 463

report, or to say that you are recovered. I know you
will excuse my having been so long without writing,
on the score of the constant business which I had in
London, and which you know me enough to know is
not very agreeable to my nature.

" I have now been here a little more than three
weeks, and hope soon to get again to my Greek, and
my History, but hitherto have had too many visit-
ants to have much leisure. I have read Iphigenia in
Aulis since I last wrote, and think much more highly
of it than I did on the first reading. The scene
where the quarrel agd reconciliation between the
brothers is, has always been blamed, on account of
the too quick change of mind in Menelaus ; but I
like it very much, and there is something in the man-
ner of it that puts me in mind of Brutus and Cassius,
in Shakespeare. We have had no very good weather ;
but this place has been in great beauty, greater, if
possible, than ever. Is there any chance of your
coming to England? If there is, you know we
expect and insist that you come directly hither. I
hope that, with the exception of a few occasional
visits of two or three days, I shall be here with little
interruption, till the meeting of Parliament. Mrs,
Fox desires me to say everything that is kind for her.
She, too, says she has been too busy to write ; and
the truth is, that the company we have had here has
entirely taken up her time. Pray lose no time in

writing.

" Yours, ever affectionately,

" c. J. FOX.

464 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JRta

" P.S. I am sure it will give you pleasure to 1
that Grattan's success in the H. of C. was com]
and acknowledged, even by those who had enterta
great hopes of his failure.

" I do not know what interest your relations 1
in the county of Down, nor what you have '
them ; but if their interest could be got in favou
Mr. Meade, I should be very happy ; if you sin
hear how the election is going on, I should be obi
to you if you would mention it."

LETTER XVI.

St. Akn*8 Hill, WtdncmL

it

4; " My dear Sir,

" It gives Mrs. F. and me great pleasure

hear that you think you are getting better, and tl

, too, in spite of the weather, which, if it has been w

you as with us, has been by no means favourable
j,,f such a complaint as yours. The sooner you c

•jj come the better; and I cannot help hoping that tl

1 air will do you good. Parts of the 1st, and Si

more of the 2nd book of the ^Eneid, are capital i
deed; the description of the night sack of a to\*
, being a subject not touched by Homer, hinders

ij from having that appearance of too close imitati

which Virgil's other battles have ; and the detai
Priam's death, Helen's appearance, Hector's in t
dream, and many others, are enchanting. The Proei
too, to ^Eneas's narration is perfection itself. T
part about Sinon and Laocoon does not so mu

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 465

please me, though I have nothing to say against it.
Perhaps it is too long, but whatever be the cause, I
feel it to be rather cold. As to your friend's heresy,
I cannot much wonder at, or blame it, since I used
to be of the same opinion myself ; but I am now a
convert; and my chief reason is, that, though the
detached parts of the ^Eneid appear to me to be equal
to anything, the story and characters appear more
faulty every time I read it. My chief objection (I
mean that to the character of jfineas) is, of course,
not so much felt in the three first books ; but, after-
wards, he is always either insipid or odious, some-
times excites interest against him, and never for
him.

"The events of the war, too, are not striking;
and Pallas and Lausus, who most interest you, are in
effect exactly alike. But, in parts, I admire Virgil
more and more every day, such as those I have
alluded to in the 2nd book ; the finding of Andro-
mache in the third, every thing relating to Dido;
the 6th book ; the visit to Evander, in the 8th ;
Nisus and Euryalus, Mezentius's death, and many
others. In point of passion I think Dido equal, if
not superior, to any thing in Homer, or Shake-
speare, or Euripides; for me, that is saying every
thing.

" One thing which delights me in the Iliad and
Odyssey, and of which there is nothing in Virgil, is
the picture of manners, which seem to be so truly
delineated. The times in which Homer lived un-
doubtedly gave him a great advantage in this respect ;

VOL. IV. U H

466 CORRESPONDENCE OF [JEtat. 5

since, from his nearness to the times of which h
writes, what we always see to be invention in Virgi
appears like the plain truth in Homer. Upon thi
principle a friend of mine observed, that the cha
racters in Shakespeare's historical plays alway
appear more real than those in his others. Bu!
exclusive of this advantage, Homer certainly attend
to character more than his imitator. I hope you
friend, with all his partiality, will not maintaii
that the simile in the 1st ^Eneid, comparing Did<
to Diana, is equal to that in the Odyssey, comparing
Nausicaa to her, either in propriety of application
or in beauty of description. If there is an Apollo
nius Rhodius where you are, pray look at Medea's
speech, lib. iv. ver. 365, and you will perceive,
that even in Dido's finest speech, nee tibi diva
parens, fyc. he has imitated a good deal, and espe-
cially those expressive and sudden turns, neque te
teneo, fyc. ; but then he has made wonderful im-
provements, and, on the whole, it is perhaps the
finest thing in all poetry.

Now, if you are not tired of all this criticism,
it is not my fault. The bad weather has preserved
a verdure here, which makes it more beautiful than
ever ; and Mrs. F. is in nice good health, and so
every thing goes well with me, which I am sure
you will like to hear ; but I have not yet had a
moment for history. I sent you, some weeks ago,
though I forgot to mention it in my letter, some
books you had left in England, by a gentleman
whose name, I think, is Croker. It was Rolleston

1805.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 467

who undertook to give them him, directed to you
in Capel-street. I added to them a duplicate I had
of Miller, on the English Constitution; a book
dedicated to me, and which is written on the best
and soundest principles; but I fear it is more
instructive than amusing, as, though a very sensible
man, he was not a lively one.

" Yours very affectionately,

«« c. J. FOX,

"P.S. Even in the 1st book, JEneas says, 'Sum
pirn JEneaSy farad mper athera notus. 9 Can you
bear this?"

I have not inserted as I had intended the letters
of M. de Talleyrand and Mr. Fox, as they are given
in the Parliamentary Debates of 1806. On further
reflection, I thought it was unnecessary to copy papers,
which were so easily accessible. The perusal of the
letter marked No. 3, " Extract of M. Talleyrand's,"
of March 5, 1806, will convince any one that the
first overture for negotiations came from the French
government.

The reader who has thus far followed the private
Letters of Mr. Fox, may feel a melancholy interest in
the account of his last illness, given by his nephew
Lord Holland. I therefore transcribe the narrative

H H 2

•1806.] CHABLES JAMES FOX. 469

p^Having discovered that he was vexed with another
^complaint * comparatively of slight consequence, I
r j was willing to ascribe the unusual thoughtfulness and
tr dejection of his countenance to a combination of
i fatigue and meditation on the nature of a troublesome
i disorder, of the remedy necessary to remove it, and of
i the postponement of that remedy which was equally
g necessary to a perfect cure.

" Early in June I dined and spent the day with
, him, at the request of Mrs. Fox. He had been
attacked by rheumatism in the thighs, and by a very
unusual dejection of spirits. In consequence of my
observations on his appearance that day, I concurred
earnestly with Mrs. Fox in pressing him to consult
some other physician as well as Dr. Moseley, who,
though full of attachment to him, and not perhaps
devoid of skill, was far from enjoying a high repu-
tation. Sir Henry Halford, then Dr. Vaughan, had
indeed seen him once ; he had urged, very strongly,
the necessity of care, attention, and quiet ; but he
had advised no material alteration of medicines, and
did not seem, to me, to apprehend any immediate
danger of dropsy. In the meanwhile, Mr. Fox had
gone up to the House of Commons. His earnestness
about the abolition of the Slave Trade induced him to
continue his attendances longer than the advice of his
friends or his own judgment approved; but even
after he absented himself from Parliament, he wrote
his despatches with his usual perspicuity and ease, and
talked occasionally on public as well as private

* Hydrocele.

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 471

distant time, he had probably spoken to others ; for
when his disorder assumed a more alarming appear-
ance, his colleagues offered some arrangement of the
sort. Lord Howick (Grey) came to him with a
proposal, which included a Peerage, if he liked it, to
save him from the yet more laborious duty of the
House of Commons. Mrs. Fox was in the room
when this suggestion was made. At the mention of
the Peerage, he looked at her significantly, with a
reference to his secret but early determination never
to be created a Peer ; and, after a short pause, he
said : 'No, not yet, I think not yet/ On the same
evening, as I sat by his bedside, he said to me : ' If
this continues (and though I don't fear any immediate
danger, I begin to see it is a longer and more serious
business than I apprehended), I must have more quiet
than with my place I ought to have, and put the plan
I spoke to you about, sooner in execution than I
intended. But don't think me selfish, young one.
The Slave Trade and Peace are two such glorious
things, I can't give them up, even to you. If I can
manage them, I will then retire.' He then talked
over some arrangements connected with that scheme,
and his own situation in the Cabinet without office,
and added : 'The peerage, to be sure, seems the natural
way, but that cannot be. I have an oath in Heaven
against it ; I will not close my politics in that foolish
way, as so many have done before me.'

" His disorder was pronounced to be dropsy, when
Sir Henry Halford (Vaughan) was called in for the
second time, and allowed to examine him more

472 THE LAST ILLHESS OF [Mm.

strictly than he had hitherto permitted him or a
other physician to do. Though neither impatie
nor desponding in sickness, Mr. Fox had little con
dence in medical skill, and less curiosity even,
subjects connected with the health and managem<
of the human body, than on any other. He w
consequently, very averse to relate symptoms wh
put him to no immediate inconvenience. He woi
not have been easily prevailed upon to take a
strong drugs, or to submit to any regimen or discipli
upon the apprehension of remote danger ; for whoe'
had been his medical attendant would have found
difficult to obtain credit with him for much foresif
on such subjects. I mention this, because it aft'
wards appeared that the seeds of his disorder h
been laid full two years before. A severe pain in J
side, which attacked him at Cheltenham in ISC
proceeded, no doubt, from that affection in the lit
which ultimately brought him to the grave,
would, however, have required great sagacity in ai
physician, even with a willing and confiding patiei
which Mr. Fox never was, to detect the latent cau
of his illness at that period ; and it would even tin
have been still more difficult to persuade Mr. Fox
his sagacity, and of the truth of his apprehensior
and of the necessity of submitting to severe discipli]
to remove a complaint, the existence of which w
conjectured by his physician, but not proved by r.
own sensations. The details of the progress ai
management of Mr. Fox's disease cannot, I am awai
be very interesting to the world ; but I ha

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 473

mentioned these circumstances in justice to his friends
and his physicians, lest the rumours circulated at the
time should lead any future biographer or historian
to imagine that his death was occasioned by neglect
or mismanagement. If there were any neglect in the
commencement of his disorder, it arose from his
habits, opinions, and character, and was entirely his
own : if there were any mismanagement, it was of a
kind that the eminent physicians latterly called in,
Sir Henry Halford, and Dr. Pitcairn, and his friend
Mr. Hawkins the surgeon, never discovered nor
corrected.

" Soon after the serious nature of his disorder had
been ascertained, Lord Yarmouth abruptly and
unadvisedly produced his full powers at Paris ; the
Cabinet, in consequence, named Lord Lauderdale to
conduct the negotiation. My uncle's intention had,
at one time, been to send me or General Fitz Patrick.
In his then state of health, I should certainly have
declined it ; but I own that I was weak enough to
feel two minutes' mortification, on Lord Howick's
(Lord Grey) not giving me the option. I felt this
more sensibly when, on approaching my uncle's
bedside after he had heard of, and sanctioned, Lord
Lauderdale's appointment, he said, with a melancholy
smile of affection that I can never forget — * So you
would not leave me, young one, to go to Paris, but
liked staying with me better — there's a kind boy.'
He thus gave me credit for refusing what had never
been offered to me, and I did not like to explain the
circumstances for fear he might misinterpret my

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 475

improved since he wrote the ' Village/ and his view
of life and of mankind had improved likewise. The
' Parish Register ' bore marks of some little more in-
dulgence to our species ; though not so many as he
could have wished, especially as the few touches of
that nature are beautiful in the extreme. He was
particularly struck with the description of the
substantial happiness of a farmer's wife. He did
not, however, observe, what was nevertheless quite
true, that the improvement in Mr. Crabbe's fortune
was, in a great measure, owing to himself. While
Lord Thurlow was in office, he overcame his re-
luctance to asking favours of a political enemy, and
urged that Chancellor to encourage genius by giving
Mr. Crabbe some preferment. Lord Thurlow did
something for him ; and the Duke of Rutland, who
had been applied to by Lord John Townshend, did
more. His success in the Church, though very
moderate, seemed for awhile to check rather than
animate his ardour for poetry. He passed several
years without publishing anything; and it was not
till after an accidental conversation with Mr. Fox,
who met him while shooting in Suffolk,* that he
confessed that he had written some poems, but never
printed them, and agreed to send them in MS. for
Mr. Fox's perusal and judgment. These were the
poems which I read to Mr. Fox.

" The rest of my time with him was chiefly passed
in conversation. Immediately after Lord Lauderdale's
departure for Paris, we had many discussions on the

• At Mr. Dudley North's.

I
1

i

I.

476 THE LAST ILLNESS OF [^Etat.5

negotiation. The demand of the French that «
should give up Sicily, irritated and disappointed hii
exceedingly. He considered it not only as an ii
admissible pretension, but as an indication of ba
faith and insincerity on the part of the French Goven
ment. Indeed, when I somewhat foolishly imagine
that an equivalent might be found for the King c
Naples — that a retreat either in South America, or o
a large pension, might be offered to the King c
Sardinia, and a kingdom of islands formed of Sardinia
the Balearic islands, and some other small islands ii
the Mediterranean as an exchange for Sicily, h
answered me by saying, ' No, no ! Bad as the Queei
and Court of Naples are, we can, in honour, do nothing
without their full and dona fide consent ; but ever
exclusive of that consideration, and of the great im
portance of Sicily, which you, young one, very mucl
underrate, it is not so much the value of the point ir
dispute, as the manner in which the French fly frora
their word, that disheartens me. It is not Sicily
but the shuffling, insincere way in which they act
that shows me they are playing a false game ; anc
in that case it would be very imprudent to make
any concessions, which by possibility could be thought
inconsistent with our honour, or could furnish oui
allies with a plausible pretence for suspecting, re-
proaching, or deserting us.' He generally used U
break off such conversations very abruptly by saying.
' And now no more politics.' In truth, he seldom
allotted more than a quarter of an hour to such topics.
" There was, indeed, one subject relating tc

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 477

patronage on which he was extremely uneasy : he
thought, that till he had provided for the person whom
I allude to, he had left undischarged a long arrear
of obligations. That person, by very obtrusive and
unreasonable conduct at the formation of the Ministry,
had embarrassed, irritated, and even exasperated him.
But it was not easy, even by misconduct, to cancel
a debt of gratitude in the mind of Mr. Fox, if he
thought that he had ever contracted it. He was
miserable till he could requite the former zealous
services of this person.

" When Lord Howick very handsomely devoted a
place in his gift to that object, Mr. Fox was per-
fectly satisfied ; he told me more than once after that
arrangement was completed, that he had nothing of
the same sort on his mind, no reason to complain of
others, or to reproach himself. Indeed throughout,
he seemed to me pleased and gratified with the
conduct of his colleagues both about men and
measures.

" There were indeed two votes during the Session,
of which he did not cordially approve — the income
tax, and the additional allowance to the Royal brothers.
* I suppose/ (said he, of the first) € it is necessary, for
those who are most conversant with financial matters
tell me so, and no man, I think, would like to pro-
pose it unless he thought so.' To the additional
income of the Princes, he found the Government
pledged, and he observed that he could hardly with-
hold or obstruct a favour to the younger Princes, who
had supported his Opposition, and were now support-

m THE LAST ILLNESS OF f-Er*»

ing his Ministry, which his predecessor, Mr. Pitt, I
promised them, when arrayed against him, to gra
Indeed, his objection was not to the allowance, but
the fund from which it was to be derived. 1
King's Civil List ought, he thought, to have defray
it. Since I have spoken of the concurrence of opini
on most subjects, both of principle and dcta
between him and his colleagues during his life,
owe it to those who survived, and to myself to ad
that with the exception of one, I knew of no measu
adopted subsequently by Lord Grenville's admini
tration, to which, from my knowledge of his principl
and feelings, I think he would have been averse. r .
the dissolution of Parliament, I think he would ha
been. The motives which induced Lord Grenvillt
Cabinet to adopt it will be mentioned hereafter ; ai
it must be acknowledged, that the ratio maaoria I
it became stronger after the event which deprived tl
Government of its chief assistance in the House
Commons. On all public matters be had mo:
repugnance, during the latter part of his illness,
talk, than his colleagues had reluctance to consu
hira. The truth is, that they sought every opportunii
of doing so, and I never observed the least indifferent
to his opinion, even when he was quite disabled fro:
enforcing it ; or the slightest neglect of any advice 1
gave, much less of any request which he was dispose
to make.

"Numbers of letters were written from evei
quarter of the kingdom to suggest the means i
preserving his life. The warmth and eagerness wit

I

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 479

which they were urged, expressive of the public
interest taken in his recovery, were gratifying in the
extreme. One remedy, an exterior application of
snails and (I think) colewort to the belly, was, with
the permission of the physicians, tried for a day or
two. At first, it seemed to relieve him, but its effects
soon subsided, and the unfavourable symptoms
recurred and increased. His pulse and stomach
would no longer bear much mercury. On the other
hand, the state and distension of his skin were such,
as to deter the physicians from allowing it to be
rubbed in, a mode of applying it for which Mr. Fox
had some predilection. At length the water had
accumulated so much, that the operation of tapping
became necessary. I was requested to apprise him
that, though neither painful nor dangerous, it could
only be rendered useful by keeping both his body and
mind in a state of the greatest tranquillity for two or
three days afterwards. If therefore he had any subject
on which he felt anxious, or any directions to give in
case his complaint should take a more unfavourable
turn, it would be prudent to mention every such
circumstance before the operation. He had, at an
earlier stage of his illness, exacted from me a promise
to apprise him of any approach of danger, and added
with emotion, ' We are neither of us children, and it
would be ridiculous to conceal anything : ' he then
resumed his gaiety, and added, ' I don't mean to die
though, young one ; and above all not to give the
thing up, as my father did/

" It was, I believe, at that period that he spoke to

I

ll

480 THE LAST ILLNESS OF [^Etat

me about the Fox- Glove. He expressed a strong
pugnance to it, but added emphatically, 'I do
mean, however, that I will not take that too, rat
than leave anything untried ; but I prefer some
these quack medicines, and if it once comes to
Fox-Glove, I shall think very ill of it indeed/
never took it. When in one of our most despond<
moments, it was suggested, Dr. Vaughan said, '
would be of no service ; it ought not even to be tri
in this case.' This opinion probably arose from t
intermission of the pulse, which the physicians h
1 1 , observed with some dismay, on administering drasl

j •• medicines in an early stage of the complaint. I wro

down, in 1811, my recollection of Mr. Fox's own i;
' ; ; junctions and wishes on the subject of the Fox-Glov

j and they prove that Mr. Trotter, his secretary, in h

insinuations against the family and the physicians f<
allowing medicines too strong to be administerec
was as unwarranted in his conjectures on Mr. Fox
own notions and wishes, as he has been shown by
letter of Dr. Moseley to be incorrect in his suppositio
of facts.

" To return to my narrative : I told him about a
hour before the first operation was performed, tha
there was neither pain nor immediate danger to b
apprehended, but that great quiet of mind and bod
was deemed necessary to give the operation all it
beneficial consequences ; that the efforts of the con
f - stitution to support the frame after a large portioi

j of water was suddenly drawn off, required the ver

utmost repose ; and that any exertion, mental o

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 481

bodily, soon afterwards, would impede the endeavour
of the constitution to resume its tone. He under-
stood me. He gave me directions where to find his
Will. The situation and feelings of Mrs. Fox seemed
to be the chief, and indeed the only, occupation of
his mind on that occasion, and on every other where
he spoke of the probability of his disease terminating
fatally. He could speak of nothing regarding her
without strong and sensible emotion. He contrived,
however, to explain his wishes and expectations about
a provision for her after his death. They were as
nearly fulfilled as the state of the pension laws would
admit. He had hardly finished what he had to say
on that painful subject, when he abruptly said, ' Now
change the conversation, or read me the 8th Book of
Virgil.' I did so. He made me read the finest
verses twice over, spoke of their merits, and compared
them with passages in other poets, with all his usual
acuteness, taste, memory, and vivacity. He had no
desire that I should be present at the puncture, and
I declined it from a dislike to the sight of any
operation. It was hardly over, however, when he
called me into the room, and telling me that it was
right, and might some day or other be useful to me
to know what the operation of tapping was, he sat
'looking at the water as it spouted from him, and with
good humour, and even pleasantry, commented on
the figure he made.

" For some few days he seemed to revive. With
the propensity to deceive ourselves, which seems to
haunt a sick room, we began to entertain some faint

vol. rr. ii

1306.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 433

' You have done quite right — you will not forget
poor Liz : what will become of her ! ' As he had
now been twice apprised of his danger, and seemed
to me to have said all that he wished, I henceforth
endeavoured to encourage his hopes as much as I
could, and infinitely beyond my own judgment of his
situation. He was, however, somewhat stronger and
easier that night ; he conversed more than he had
done for some time : seeing his servant in the room,
he spoke to me in French, and his thoughts still
dwelt exclusively on Mrs. Fox. 'Je crains pour
elle/ said he ; * a't'elle la moindre id6e de mon
danger ? si non, quelle soufirance pour elle ! ' I
answered him (what was indeed the truth) that she
was sufficiently aware of his danger to prevent the
worse termination of his illness being a surprise ; but
that she had not been so desponding that morning as
my sister, General Fitz Patrick, and others ; and I
ventured to add, * et a cette heure vous voyez qu'elle
avait raison ; for in spite of what I then said to you,
" dabit Deus his quoque finem." ' c Ay,' said he,
with a faint smile, ' but jine??i, young one, may have
two senses.'

" Such was our last conversation. He spoke,
indeed, frequently, in the course of the next thirty-
six hours, and he evidently retained his faculties
unimpaired ; but he was too restless at one time, and
too lethargic at others, to keep up any conversation
after that evening, which I think was the 11th of
September. About this period of his illness, Mrs.
Fox, who had a strong sense of religion, consulted

I I 2

*•■» rSi -ta. .* >i^ .» "JEz^z ZL

icce :c ts ;a lie z^tazs :c pK^a*iz=x Mr. Fox ;o
iear zmer* :xad ":t kis ceiisoe. I %-wn ihn I
kski *:ce *3Graii3^si:cs Itssc a^v c^erxvirsan caBed in
■i^ri^ tiiai r: a s*»i cpctx^nny fer dispiavin^ tj?
rtiizi-os KaL aad aci^cn^f ceaefcciry bv some exLi-
bci»:c zo wiues. Mr. Fox s pnscspoes and taste woold
harre been equally averse- When, however. Mr.
Bocrenr. a y^MD? ntan c< exreflent character. * with-
oci pretension or hypocrisy. w*> in the house. I
seconded her request, in the fall persuasion that
bj so doing I promoted what would have been the
wishes of Mr. Fox himself*. His chief object through-
out was to soothe and satisfy her. Yet repugnance
was felt, and to some degree urged, even to this, bv
Mr. Trotter, who soon afterwards thought fit to
describe with great fervour the devotion it inspired,
and to build upon it many conjectures of his own
on the religious tenets and principles of Mr. Fox.
Mr. Bouverie stood behind the curtain of the bed,
and in a faint but audible voice read the service.
Mr. Fox remained unusually quiet. Towards the
end ? Mrs. Fox knelt on the bed and joined his hands
which he seemed faintly to close with a smile of
ineffable goodness, such as can never be forgotten
by those who witnessed it. Whatever it betokened,
it was a smile of serenity and goodness, such as
could have proceeded at that moment only from a
disinterested and benevolent heart, from a bein<*
loving and beloved by all that surrounded and bv
all that approached him. From that period, and not
till that period, Mrs. Fox bore her situation and

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 485

apprehensions with some fortitude; and I have no
doubt that her confidence in religion alone enabled
her to bear the scene which she w T as doomed so soon
to undergo.

"During the whole of the 13th of September, no
hopes could be entertained. For the last two hours
of his existence his articulation was so painful and
indistinct, that we could only occasionally catch his
words, and then very few at a time. The small
room in which he lay has two doors, one into the
large saloon, the other into a room equally small
adjoining. In the latter Mrs. Fox, during the last
ten days, constantly sat or lay down without un-
dressing. Her bed was within hearing, and indeed
within a very few feet, of that of Mr. Fox. The
doors were always open, for the weather was ex-
tremely hot. Of those who had access to him during
the last melancholy days, it was at any one moment
a mere accident who were actually in the bedchamber
with him, who were pacing the adjoining rooms, or
giving vent to their grief in the distant corners of
the apartments. Each was actually by his bedside
during some part of the day, and all, of at least
seven or eight * persons, were constantly within call
of the room in which he lay, or in attendance upon
him. The impression, therefore given, (whether in-

* " Mrs. Fox, Miss Fox, Miss Willoughby, Lady Holland, General Fitz
Patrick, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Trotter, Dr. Moseley, or one of the other
physicians, and often all three, and myself : other intimate friends, such
as Lord Robert Spencer, Lord John Townshend, Lord Fitzwilliam, fre-
quently called. Some, I think, approached his bedside, all were admitted
and stayed in the adjoining apartments for a considerable space of time."

486 THE LAST ILLNESS OP [JEtat. 58.

tentionally or not, I cannot say) with respect to the
persons present at his death, in Mr. Trotter's book
is quite incorrect. The last words which he uttered
with any distinctness were, 'I die happy;' and
'Liz,' the affectionate abbreviation in which he
usually addressed his wife. He attempted indeed
to articulate something more, but we none of us
could accurately distinguish the sounds. In very
few minutes after this fruitless endeavour to speak,
in the evening of the 13th of September, 1806, he
expired without a groan, and with a serene and
placid countenance, which seemed, even after death,
to represent the benevolent spirit which had ani-
mated it.

" With some pain to myself, and with some hazard
of wearying those who may at any distance of time
peruse these Papers, I have thus related all the minute
particulars concerning the last illness and death of the
best and greatest man of our time, with whom the
accident of birth closely connected me, from whose
conversation and kindness I derived the chief delight
of my youth, and veneration for whose memory fur-
nished me with the strongest motive for continuing
in public life, as well as the best regulation for my
conduct therein. I noted down these details, cur-
rente calamo, without stopping to select a word, or
polish an expression, in the year 1811, five years and
a few weeks after the period of his death. I did so
because I was then fresh from the perusal of a book
written by his secretary, Mr. Trotter, in which the
author, possibly without any evil intention, conveys

1806.] CHARLES JAMES FOX. 487

very false impressions of the opinions of Mr. Fox,
and still more so of the conduct of his relations and
friends. If a consciousness of being beloved and
almost adored by all who approached him could ad-
minister consolation in the hour of death, no man
could with more reason or propriety have closed his
career with the exclamation of — 'I die happy!' for
no man ever deserved or obtained that consolation
more certainly than Mr. Fox.

"His character could be best delineated by a narra-
tive of the leading events of his public life, by a
reference to his speeches and writings, by a publi-
cation of many of his private letters, a description of
his domestic life, and such fragments of his conver-
sation as the memory of his friends might supply.
Such a work I have long meditated. If I have
leisure and health, I trust that I shall, some day,
accomplish it in a way, I will not say worthy of the
subject (for to that I do not aspire), but, at least, in a
manner which shall do him no discredit, which shall
offend against no one principle which I have imbibed
from him, and which shall give no unnecessary pain
to any one, and, above all, none to such as command
my regard and affection, by having shared some por-
tion of his."

POSTSCRIPT.

In the volumes now brought to a close, I have
printed the materials which Lord Holland had
collected, with a view to illustrate the life of his
uncle.

I hope to be able soon to execute in some degree
the design which Lord Holland had formed, of giving
a connected narrative of Mr. Fox's life, with extracts
from his speeches.

In concluding these volumes, however, I propose
to point out shortly the main principles and the chief
measures of which Mr. Fox was the foremost
champion.

1. Mr. Fox held the doctrine that the King ought
always to be guided by the advice of Parliament, in
opposition to the opinion, that he might rule without
regard to party connection, by separate influence and
by innate authority. Although his views may seem
to have been defeated in 1784, yet they have in the
end prevailed, and are now the established practice
of the Constitution.

2. Mr. Fox maintained that theory of religi<
liberty which requires that religious faith should i
he made a qualification for office or for seats
Parliament. Although he failed during his lifetii
in emancipating either Protestant Dissenters from t
fetters of the Test and Corporation Acts, or Rom
Catholics from the disabling statutes of Charles t
Second, yet his efforts were "not unfruitful, and
1828 and 1829, both these kinds of disability we
removed.

3. The African Slave Trade which Mr. Pitt
ouce denounced and extended, received its deal
blow from Mr. Fox at the termination of his hf
The abolition of slavery was a corollary of that act.

4. Parliamentary Reform, which Mr.. Fox su]
ported in 1782, 1783, 1785, and 1797, was finall
accomplished by his friend and disciple Lord Grc
in 1832.

5. Economical Reform had its chief promoter i
Mr. Burke, but Mr. Fox contributed his powerful aid 1
the destruction of the corrupt system which flourish^
during the ministry of Lord North, and which Lor
North had inherited from his predecessors.

6. The most powerful speeches of Mr. Fox, bot
in youth and middle age, were made in favour «
Peace. Not that the great orator was for peace &
all times, and at any price. When France attempte
to destroy the independence of Holland, in 1781
Mr. Fox applauded the vigour with which Mr. Pil
resisted the design. When Napoleon, flushed wit
the victory of Austerlitz, burst all the bounds c

POSTSCRIPT. 491

moderation, Mr. Fox preferred the continuance of
the war to dishonourable concession. Still the
favourite predilection of his heart, was love of peace.
Neither the pride which carried the nation forward in
the assertion of dominion over America, nor the passion
which sought to punish the crimes of the French
people by the invasion and desolation of France, led
him away from the great aim of honourable peace.

This disposition left him in a small minority in the
House of Commons at the beginning of the American
war, in a still smaller minority at the commencement
and during the course of the French war. The loss
of all prospect of power, the invectives of vulgar
politicians, he was content to bear ; the loss of friends,
dearly loved, and of the national confidence, honour-
ably acquired, were sacrifices more painful to his
heart. But he never faltered, and never swerved
from his purpose. The nation, inflamed by animosity,
lifted up by arrogance, and deluded by the eloquence
of men in power, assailed him as an enemy to his
country, because he opposed measures injurious to
her interests, and inconsistent with the great laws
which regulate the relations between man and
man. In this deluge of folly and of fury, he sought
in a return to literary pursuits an occupation and an
amusement. Other times may see the renewal of
wars as unjust and as imprudent as those which Mr.
Fox opposed ; but while the many will be carried
away by the prevailing hurricane, those who can keep
their feet will recur to his example as that of a great
man who preferred the welfare of his country, and

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