have
always asserted. If I stayed away totally, I should be accused
by my enemies, of violating an engagement that never existed, or
I should be said by yours to cast upon you, and for such causes
as they would not fail to invent, the heaviest of all censures,
the tacit condemnation of a friend. And, however anxious each
would be to do justice to the other, calumny would drown our
voices, or malignity affect not to believe us. Thus
circumstanced, I should, were that practicable, request you to
reassume that seat, which I could no longer fill with honour to
you, or safety to myself. Though this cannot be done directly,
yet we may obtain the same end by an expedient tantamount in
effect, and which I mentioned to you yesterday, that is by your
permitting me to procure a return for a friend of yours for the
remainder of this Parliament, or to give him such a sum as may
enable him to procure it, when there shall be an opportunity.
Let me assure you, I am infinitely obliged by your manner of
receiving this proposal, as it shows me that you are too well
persuaded of my regard and respect for you to suppose it made
with any, the remotest view of putting an end to our intimacy or
friendship. On the contrary, I ask it as a favour, from that
very friendship, and because I am anxious to preserve it
inviolate. Neither am I afraid of being thought uneasy under a
sense of obligation, or desirous of being freed from it by the
paltry expedient of a partial compensation. I think you know me
too well to suspect me of so sordid an idea, and on your
vindication of me as to that, will I cordially rely. I cannot
but add that I am happy in making this proposition at a time
when the popularity of the Administration you have acceded to,
must evince to you and to everybody, that my object is perfectly
disinterested. The funds of opposition, if in fact such a thing
exists, you will allow are too low at present to have much
temptation for a purchaser.

Believe me, my dear Sir, with great truth and regard, your much
obliged and affectionate humble servant,

John P. Curran.

THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM TO MR. LONGFIELD.

Dublin Castle, Jan. 23rd, 1788.

Sir,

Your letter, enclosing one from Mr. Curran, reached me at a
moment when my attention was taken up with other business, else