be persuaded that this is an occasion
in which it befits his station and prospects to put himself
forward.

There is no news nor much appearance of any, as both armies and in
both quarters seem to want much time to repair the effects of the
last campaign. It is some satisfaction to see that Buonaparte is in
no situation to push his advantages further as yet; and before he
is, I hope and trust the Emperor will have collected an army,
_better generalled_ and able to resist the French, who are,
however, drawing all their strength to that side.

The elections are going on quietly in France. What the result will
be, I believe nobody knows, and it is therefore in vain to guess.

Ever most affectionately yours,
G.

Pray accept our kindest remembrance to Lady B. and yourself, on the
celebration of to-morrow, and convey them to Lord and Lady T.

The motion was brought forward the next day, and negatived by a majority
of nearly four to one. A similar motion brought forward by Mr. Fox two
days afterwards in the House of Common, met with a similar reception.

About this time Lord Mornington was appointed Governor of Madras, in the
room of Mr. Hobart, now Lord Hobart, upon whom that office had been
conferred in the year 1794. The following letters refer to that
appointment, and are explanatory of the circumstances under which it was
made.

LORD MORNINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Hertford Street, April 20th, 1797.
MY DEAR LORD,

I received your very kind and affectionate letter last night at
Dropmore, where I had been for a few days. When you were last in
town, the projects of arrangement for India remained so nearly in
the state in which our last conversation had left them, that I
thought it unnecessary to trouble you at that time on the subject.
Since that time, the matter has certainly taken a more distinct
shape, although it is not true, as the newspaper has stated, that
my appointment has actually taken place, or that I am to embark
within a few days for India. Had you continued in town, I would
have communicated to you, step by step, every stage of the
transaction, and especially whatever concerned Hobart; but the
distance of your situation rendered such a detailed communication
difficult, and I was besides unwilling to intrude upon your time in
a moment