advantage, if we are to fight it in the proposed shape, that we are
at once rid of all the details of oaths, securities, &c., for I
conclude the consciences of the Roman Catholic Peers will, if the
declaration be omitted, be disposed to swallow the Oath of
Supremacy without a single wry face, which will be a most useful
example to the other Catholics, and will of itself go far to bring
the priests into order. Plunket does not apprehend any jealousy of
the limited measure from Ireland, as he thinks that they will
consider it as a stepping-stone, and will be much alive to the gain
of six votes.

Plunket mentioned confidentially the opinion of Lord Wellesley in
favour of deferring the general Bill till next year, for which
likewise Lord Londonderry and Lord Melville seemed very anxious.
How far what has passed in Parliament, and the eagerness of the
Opposition, may drive the Catholics in Ireland forward, he could
not calculate, but otherwise conceived them to be content to
acquiesce in its postponement. At all events, I am most desirous
that, whether you entirely approve of the manner in which the
question is brought forward or not, you would acquiesce in the
course to be determined upon, which I am sure is of the greatest
importance to the public character of us all.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

LORD GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Dropmore, April 8, 1822.

You know I have quite done with political speculations, and
discussions of every kind. If Canning's motion succeeds (as I
conclude it will) in the House of Commons, and comes up to the
House of Lords, I can have no doubt of supporting it, as far as my
vote, or more probably, my proxy, may extend, because it is one of
the points that I have always most strongly urged, and particularly
in my speech, even, of last year; and also because it really does
seem to me that such a motion follows as a natural and undeniable
consequence from any opinion entertained by the friends of the
general measure, that next year would be more favourable than this
for the discussion of the main question, in so far as it concerns
the great body of the Irish Catholics.

The conduct of that body has certainly been often such as to show
the utmost blindness as to what was likely to advance or obstruct
their caus