is
perfectly _in earnest_ with respect to his intended voyage, and
much as I regret it for the country, I think that considering the
great personal disinclination both of the King and (I believe) the
Duke of York towards him, the unstable nature of the Government,
and the state of his own affairs, the course he pursues is far the
best for his own interests. I think I told you that both Liverpool
and Londonderry evidently considered the completion of this
appointment as a great advantage gained, and were in high spirits
on the occasion.

It cannot be doubted that Peel and Lord Bathurst strongly
participate in this feeling, and that the Chancellor carries it a
good deal farther. Under these circumstances, the Duke of
Wellington is the only man of any weight in the Cabinet, of whose
co-operation in a plan for retaining Canning in this country there
could be a hope, and without that, we could not hold out such a
probability of success as alone could justify any communication to
Canning, or expectation that he would listen to it. If it could be
effected, I have no hesitation in saying that it would be a measure
of great benefit to the country.

I have lately heard much general rumour of disinclination on the
part of certain members of the Cabinet who are not cordial towards
as, and of Peel's having said that things would not go on well till
they had got rid of the Grenvilles. This I do not believe, as he is
much too cautious a man to commit himself by such a speech, but I
cannot but admit that the coldness and reserve of his manner to me
make me think that the opinion, though not uttered, is not unlikely
to be entertained by him. He assures me that he still continues in
the same complete ignorance as to the persons lately arrested in
Ireland. The only depositions transmitted are those of persons who
believe them to be engaged in a traitorous conspiracy for the
overthrow of the Government; but what the facts against them are,
whether any papers have been taken, whether any of them have given
information, and even whether they have been examined before the
Privy Council, the Lord Lieutenant has not judged it necessary to
inform him. It is evident things cannot go on in this way, and I do
not think it unlikely that Peel is lying back in order to make as
strong a case as he can, be