he number of years' service, so much faster than
seniors have dropped off, that there would in the coming year be an
excess of 1600_l._, besides the past debt of 2000_l._ already
contracted to the tradesmen. This Courtenay proposes to meet by a
general deduction of five per cent. from every salary in the
office, of which I cannot approve, unless some such system should
pervade the public service. It appears to me that the fitter course
is to pay the debt out of Bathurst's lapsed salary of last year and
to oblige the clerks to revert to a fixed scale of salaries.

I dined yesterday at the General's and met Lord Bathurst, who as I
see most plainly, is very hostile and bitter against Lord
Wellesley, quizzing his speeches, &c. &c. All seems to be going on
well, but I am sorry to find that Joy is likely to be
Solicitor-General.

Goulburn has written to Grant that their only difference is upon a
legislative measure, and that he has no inclination at all to
depart from his official and executive system. The regular and
constant manner of doing business is very much _pronee_ by the
Orange party, contrasted with the indecision and idleness of Grant,
though they allow that abstinence from wine is a new and dangerous
feature in an Irish Secretary.

I fear that the country gentlemen will make a desperate effort to
diminish the taxation, and that the friends of the Government are
disposed to take the front of the battle.

There are considerable apprehensions in Ireland of distress from
the utter failure of the potatoes, which are all rotten, and of the
turves which they were prevented by the wet from cutting.

As I was stepping into the carriage to go to Court, Sir Scrope put
into my hand the copy of your letter, and I could only desire him
to call to-morrow at eleven. Fremantle and I were duly sworn in,
and I kissed hands as President of the Board. The K---- looked glum
and out of humour, but as there was no opportunity for him to speak
to us, we could not ascertain whether it belonged to us
individually, or from a previous long Recorder's report, which I
believe always makes him nervous and uncomfortable. Lord Liverpool
seemed much more coming about Fremantle, but I fear there is little
hope of my Board being completed so that the Commission shall issue
before Wednesday next.