I think looks most suspicious in all these
measures, is the unmeasured applause which the Opposition papers
give to Canning, and I hear that at Brookes's he is much the most
popular man in the country; we know his avidity for popular
applause, and I own I cannot but entertain some fears as to the
abstainment on his part from all intrigue; the best security
against this will be in the meeting of Parliament, when he will be
soon brought in contact with those who are now upholding him. He
does not come in for Liverpool, but for Harwich, as also Mr.
Herries. Young Disbrowe comes in for Windsor, in the room of Sir
Herbert Taylor, who resigns his seat. The Duke of York has been
alarmingly ill, but is now much better; I understand you met him at
the grand _chasse_ at Ashridge.

Although it is very likely the French Government will be forced
into a war, yet I am for my own part still disposed to think they
will not, from all Lionel Hervey tells me on the subject; it is
fraught with too much danger to France itself, and too certain a
failure in the object for which the war is contemplated, to be
persisted in, however they may bully and prepare for it. Canning
has certainly recommended himself greatly to public opinion by the
line he has adopted, and though _we are given to understand_ there
has been considerable differences in the Cabinet upon it, he has
never changed his tone for one moment, and has carried his views.

Adieu, my dear Duke,

Ever most unfeignedly yours,

W. H. F.

[105] Created Baron Fitzgerald in 1826.

[106] Created Baron Glenelg in 1836.

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

East India Board, Jan. 31, 1823.

MY DEAR B----,

The die seems at length to be cast, and the throw cannot be
altered, though the French continue to profess the same desire of
avoiding war, and with as much sincerity as they have done
throughout the discussion. They have taken the worst course, and in
the worst possible way. I really am so much out of humour with the
_gros cochon_, that I rather hope that his life may be prolonged,
so as to taste a little of the evil which he is about to produce.
Poor Liverpool is in a state of worry and dejection which exceeds
anything I have yet seen, but I am assured by Lord Melville this is
not for him e