them to the
Protestants.

Ever yours,

W. H. F.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Board of Control, March 11, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

You may depend upon it nothing can be more precarious than the
situation of the Government at the present moment. My own opinion
is that it will stand, but the difficulties are great, and we shall
only be extricated from them by the fear of the country gentlemen
bringing in the Opposition. The defence for the Post-office will be
most arduous; it can only be taken on the ground of influence,
which must be maintained. If it is lost, which seems to be
apprehended, it cannot alone form a sufficient ground for the
breaking-up the Government. It is undoubtedly (coupled with other
measures which have taken place) a good ground for Government to
hold a language of retirement, but they must rest such a step on
some more important proof of want of confidence--I mean the loss of
any taxes--as, indeed, a small division against the repeal of a
tax, which would be almost as discreditable to them as the repeal
itself. You will observe by the papers that notice has been given
for the repeal of almost all--indeed, I may say all--the taxes
which bear on agriculture. This therefore must be the touchstone,
and upon this they must rest their determination. If I were to
speculate on the question of the Postmaster-General, I should think
it would not be carried; but such is not the general opinion, and
if we are to believe the common report, Lord Normanby will carry
his motion.

I don't know whether you have heard the particulars of Bloomfield's
dismissal. He received on Thursday last in town a notification from
Brighton of what was intended, and he got at the same time a note
from Lord Liverpool, desiring him to call upon him at ten o'clock
the next morning. This he accordingly did, when the Minister
formally announced the King's order of dismissal from all his
employments and offices, together with the order to quit his
residence at Carlton Palace and the Stud House (Lady Bloomfield
retaining the Rangership of Hampton Court Park, which she holds for
life); an offer was at the same time made to him to retain his
salaries, which he rejected. No ground was given for the dismissal.
Sir Benjamin claimed a Peerage which ha