e lived in them, I could certainly arrange
this matter more according to my own fancy; and there is nobody who
could not make to himself some theory on this subject, the very
framing of which is an amusing occupation of the mind, and for
which it then acquires a parental fondness. But now, if ever, and
here if in any matter, _stare super vias antiguas_ is the only
salvation to this country.

The idea of the French tariff I consider as very luminous and
happy. It was suggested by Cooke, but possibly he may not like that
it should be known, either to his principal or to the public, that
he is in the course of offering such suggestions.

You will not complain at least of the shortness of _this_ letter. I
sent you no bulletin about transports in Alexandria, because, I am
sorry to say, I do not believe one word of the report, but am
persuaded that it will turn out to be nothing more than the
destroying a gun-boat or two, the account of which we received and
published long ago. I am, however, totally without letters from
Eden by the last mail, from which I conclude that he has, _for
expedition's sake_, sent a messenger with his letters, who will
some time or another arrive. But there are many occasions of
sending a messenger besides this news. It does seem likely that
Malta will itself drive out the French. What a wonderful change in
twelve months!

God bless you.

The affairs of the continent, which had undergone latterly some
considerable alterations, appearing to open a favourable opportunity for
laying the foundation of a new confederation against France, Mr. Thomas
Grenville was charged with a mission to undertake negotiations for that
purpose. His destination was Vienna and Berlin, with a roving commission
subject to circumstances. The rash and impolitic ambition of France had
awakened an angry resistance on the part of Austria, who had recently
entered into an alliance with the Court of St. Petersburg; and England,
desiring to avail herself of these events, employed Mr. Grenville to
ascertain the views of Prussia and Austria with reference to the
formation of a general combination against the common enemy. "He will
have, if I mistake not," observes Lord Grenville, "very much the glory
of signing the overthrow of Jacobin France."

MR. T. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Charles Street,