f which is that it is to be levied without a loan
and without an additional tax.

I quite agree with you in the necessity of supporting Wellesley and
Plunket, though we may _in private_ think they have acted absurdly.
I am convinced that the Orange party will make a run against them
with all the power they can, of which I already see symptoms which
cannot be mistaken; but as far as I can judge, L---- will behave
_honestly_.

The depositions have all been sent over, and I am not surprised
that the English lawyers are unable to find among them any ground
to maintain the committal for the capital charge. As, however, this
was abandoned, the practical battle will be upon the propriety of a
prosecution by information, after an indictment preferred by the
Attorney-General has been ignored. Of this there is no example in
England. Whether there is or not in Ireland I do not know, but at
all events Plunket must be supported in it, and allowed to proceed.
The Irish Government now stand publicly committed to that course,
and if they were compelled to abandon it, _must_ immediately
resign, and afford a triumph to the Orange faction. It is no small
misfortune that our law advisers should be so entirely in one
interest, and under one influence, as to exercise no free agency of
their own. I trust that we have put a stop to the practice of
submitting Plunket's conduct and opinions to _their_ revision, by
treating their communication as one of a nature strictly private,
and as one which it would be impossible to make known to any one
individual without giving the justest offence both to Wellesley,
Plunket, and Bushe.

The Speech will recommend considerable relief from taxation, and
notice will be given of Robinson's intention to bring the subject
forward as soon as he resumes his seat. It signifies little what we
do. Lethbridge and the Squires will feel bound to go beyond us; but
if we can extend the relief to 50 per cent. on houses and windows,
carriages, horses, and servants, all reasonable men ought to be
satisfied.

I have spoken to Lord Liverpool about Sir George Nugent, and he
vows and protests nothing could be further from his intention than
the slightest disrespect to a person towards whom no one can feel
anything but regard, &c. &c. &c. In short, he says all that a man
in t