comfortably to bed,
without finding out that they were on the same side. We now, I
trust, are rid of the Queen's business, though I still fear we must
have one night on the Milan Commission; but nobody has yet given
notice of a motion on the subject.

I was rather surprised on Monday night to find Ministers so weak as
to be totally unable to risk a division on Davie Gilbert's proposal
of throwing Grampound into the Hundreds, and that afterwards, when
joined by us and by several members from the Opposition, they were
beaten two to one; much, I think, owing to Ward's speech. I have
now, I think, sent you gossip enough for one day.

Ever yours,

C. W. W.

Have you heard that a match is declared between Lord Dartmouth and
Lady Frances Talbot? To see them together will be somewhat like
Lord Bulkeley and Lord Abingdon at the Encoenia.

One of the principal subjects of political interest was the Catholic
question, brought forward in the House of Commons on the 2nd of March
by Mr. Plunket, in a Committee of the whole House; and a Bill for the
Emancipation of the Catholics was introduced by him on the 7th of the
same month, the second reading of which was debated on the 16th, and
carried by a majority of 11.

LORD GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Hanover Place, March 5, 1821.

It is extremely difficult, I believe, even for those most
intimately acquainted with the present composition of the House of
Commons, to anticipate the final result of the Catholic question.
Many things that one hears would lead one to be very sanguine in
one's hopes; but then, the difficulties are so great of steering
between groundless fears on one side and groundless jealousies on
the other, and the means are so great which are possessed by the
enemies of conciliation on both sides, that every step taken in the
business is surrounded with danger of failure.

Plunket talks of dividing the measure into two Bills, if he can get
Castlereagh to consent to it--one of concession, the other of
security; a most wise project, if it can be accomplished. His
exertions have been beyond all praise, and the tone of moderation
which he has given to the discussion must do great good, whatever
be the result.

I am sorry there was a necessity for giving so much time; but I
trust, after the second reading, it will