ber implied a general harmony of opinion, which
precluded the latter from the assertion of an independent line of
policy. Such were the circumstances under which the subjoined
correspondence took place. The spirit of independence it displays is
equally honourable to all parties. At the date of these letters Lord
Buckingham's first session had just commenced; and it is scarcely
necessary to add, that Mr. Curran took his seat amongst the opponents of
his Lordship's Administration.

MR. LONGFIELD TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Jan. 21st, 1788.

My Lord,

The candour with which I met your Excellency on your arrival in
this kingdom, received, I hope, your entire approbation. Under
that idea, I hold myself obliged to the continuance of it.

Since my arrival in town, I have not been so happy as to make
such an impression on Counsellor Curran as I wished to do, and
in justice to your Excellency's Administration, he ought to have
received. After many exertions, in order to induce him to act as
I intended to do, I received the enclosed letter. For my own
satisfaction, and to continue the same candid confidence to your
Excellency, I beg leave to submit it to your perusal. My heart
claims this trouble from you, as my own justification. My head
may err, but not intentionally. In reply, I have rejected the
offer of the seat, begged to retain his personal regards, and
left him to decide entirely on his political conduct as he
should think proper.

As to Mr. Heatly, he is no longer my friend and pensioner: he
ranges under Lord Shannon.

All I can now say is, that Major Vewell, Colonel Longfield and
myself are ever ready to repose the utmost confidence in your
Excellency's Government: we will support your measures with
firmness and decision, during your Administration in this
kingdom.

I have the honour to be,
With the highest respect and esteem,
Your Excellency's most devoted and obedient humble servant,
Rd. Longfield.

MR. CURRAN TO MR. LONGFIELD.

Jan. 18th, 1788.

Dear Sir,

I sit down in compliance with your wish that I might explain my
sentiments on the subject of our conversation yesterday, more
fully than our situation would then permit.

When you first did me the honour of proposing to return me into
Parliament, I thought myself bound to be explicit on the