o refuse our sanction to the measures
which they have adopted.

The great object of France, in all her twisted course, has been to
have the question of War and Peace left in her hands by the rest of
Europe, then by a dexterous application of this power to produce a
restoration of some portion of the King of Spain's authority, and
on that ground to regain her ancient influence in his Court. In
this, at all events, she has completely failed. Spain now promises
payment of all our just claims, some of which she admits, and is
willing to refer the remainder to a mixed commission. She also
sends over a specific request for our good offices, to avert from
her the calamities of war. Canning, I think, expects that peace
will be preserved, and reasons much as you do. Both the King of
France and Villele profess to see how prejudicial to the interest
of France war must be.

I verily believe Lord Melville's conduct to you to be only the same
by which he gives offence to everybody else. Hay, I believe, told
Phillimore that Lord M---- had not answered one letter of all those
which arrived during the time he was in Scotland. Canning retires
from Liverpool, and succeeds to one of the seats for Harwich,
vacated by B. Bathurst's retirement and Nick's peerage.

Ever most affectionately yours,

C. W. W.

There is some talk of Lord Maryborough quitting the Cabinet, and I
believe that the Doctor only remains till he can appear to leave it
without any reference to Canning's appointment.

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

East India Office, Jan. 25, 1823.

MY DEAR B----,

There is much reason to fear that Chateaubriand is still more
favourably disposed towards the War party than his predecessor, and
is run away with a true French notion that the _glory_ of success
can only exist in connexion with the white cockade. Should he
prevail, there is little doubt that Villele will retire, and _then_
the Ultra-Royalists will drive to the Devil with a rapidity that
nothing can check.

This is the gloomy side; on the other, Villele has certainly great
strength, and even the Royalists will think twice before they allow
the million (English) of surplus which is about to be applied to
indemnify them, to go towards the _frais_ of an armament, the
recommendation o