so necessary.
Believe me,

My dear Sir,

Your most faithful and obedient humble servant,

EDMUND BURKE.

BEACONSFIELD, April 4th, 1780.

To JOHN MERLOTT, Esq., Bristol.

FOOTNOTES:

[19] An eminent merchant in the city of Bristol, of which Mr. Burke was
one of the representatives in Parliament.--It relates to the same
subject as the preceding Letter.

LETTERS AND REFLECTIONS

ON THE

EXECUTIONS OF THE RIOTERS

IN 1780.

LETTERS.

_To the Lord Chancellor_.

My Lord,--I hope I am not too late with the inclosed slight
observations. If the execution already ordered cannot be postponed,
might I venture to recommend that it should extend to one only? and then
the plan suggested in the inclosed paper may, if your Lordship thinks
well of it, take place, with such improvements as your better judgment
may dictate. As to fewness of the executions, and the good effects of
that policy, I cannot, for my own part, entertain the slightest doubt.

If you have no objection, and think it may not occupy more of his
Majesty's time than such a thing is worth, I should not be sorry that
the inclosed was put into the king's hands.

I have the honor to be, my Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,

EDMUND BURKE.

CHARLES STREET, July 10, 1780.

* * * * *

_To the Earl Bathurst, Lord President of the Council_

My Lord,--

I came to town but yesterday, and therefore did not learn more early the
probable extent of the executions in consequence of the late
disturbances. I take the liberty of laying before you, with the
sincerest deference to your judgment, what appeared to me very early as
reasonable in this business. Further thoughts have since occurred to me.
I confess my mind is under no small degree of solicitude and anxiety on
the subject; I am fully persuaded that a proper use of mercy would not
only recommend the wisdom and steadiness of government, but, if properly
used, might be made a means of drawing out the principal movers in this
wicked business, who have hitherto eluded your scrutiny. I beg pardon
for this intrusion, and have the honor to be, with great regard and
esteem,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,

EDMUND BURKE.

CHARLES STREET, July 18, 1780.

* * * * *

_To Sir Grey Cooper, Bart_.[20]

Dear Sir,--

According to your desire, I send you a copy