l as the feeling of the House. Lord Nugent told me he
should not vote to-day, nor should Lord Ebrington. They show their
good taste in this. I understand Neville is very likely to vote
with us.

We are in better spirits, though the money question still hangs a
dead weight. The South Sea have refused the contract, and
Lushington told me last night the Bank would take the contract. I
fear this will commit the Government more and more with the Bank,
which has too much power already.

Ever yours,

W. H. F.

THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

East India Board, May 15, 1822.

MY DEAR B----,

I agree entirely with what you say in your letter to Phillimore as
to the absurdity of the distinction of _vital_ and _indifferent_
points. All ought to be vital.

This is the course which Peel every day recommends. He has lately
taken a much bolder and decided tone both in Parliament and
Cabinet, and I have little doubt means to run for the lead of the
House of Commons. It appears to me very probable that his object is
to break up the Government, in the expectation that it will be
impossible for the Opposition to substitute anything which can
stand three months, and that he may then mould and form it at his
pleasure. He has himself spoken to me of the advantage which would
result from our retiring, and the certainty that we must return to
power within three months. Does he think that that period would be
sufficient for Opposition to pass the Catholic question?

Wilberforce's disclaimer of any intention to reflect on me was _ex
proprio motu_. It is curious that the _Morning Chronicle_, which
not only inserted the misrepresentation, but made it the object of
a leading paragraph, afterwards omitted the contradiction. This I
was told, but on examination find it is not true.

Report states that we are to have large divisions both to-day and
to-morrow, and that all the loose fish come into our net.

Ever affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

I have stated to Lord Londonderry and Peel, the impossibility of my
supporting the Alien Bill, or interfering to persuade my friends to
do it, but have assured them that I shall not dissuade them from
it. I added that my wish would be to stay away, as I had done on
the two last occasions of its renewal, but