was, just at the close of a very able speech of Fox's,
taken so ill as not to be able to speak at all, so that the
House went to the division with the whole impression of our
adversaries' arguments, in a great degree, unanswered. I had
spoken early in the debate, and Dundas just before Fox. I think
this is the most unpleasant thing of the sort that has happened
to us; but I console myself with recollecting how many similar
disasters we have surmounted. I have seen nobody this morning
but apprehend that we shall certainly go on with the Bill, as
nothing, I think, would be saved by withdrawing it.

Till within this last day or two I have been much out of order,
and this, added to the hurry of this business for the last week,
has made it impossible for me to get an answer to your queries.
I fear it will be impossible for me to do it before Tuesday, but
you may depend upon my exerting myself as much as I can.

I do not agree at all with what I understand from Young to be
your opinion on the reduction of interest; holding with Smith,
that the hire of money, like that of any other commodity, will
find its level, and going even beyond him in thinking the
grounds on which he states such a measure to be sometimes
justifiable, such as will not support him on his own principles.
I have also a doubt, but of that you are a much better judge
than I can be, whether it is often desirable to hold a
neutrality on the part of Government with respect to such
questions. That, however, depends on circumstances, and I can
easily conceive such as would make that the only line you could
prudently adopt.

This has been the most sickly of all seasons with us. Jemmy has
been very ill, and is not recovered, though, I trust, entirely
out of all danger. Hester has also been seriously ill, but is
out again. I agree most entirely with Fitzgibbon, in reprobating
that some _lex et consuetudo_ Parliament, which is to supersede
the good old common law of the land. Fox's whole conduct and
language has been singularly indecent.

Ever most affectionately yours,
W. W. G.

It will be seen that Mr. Grenville complains of the failure, on the part
of the friends of the Government, in answering the arguments of the
Opposition. Amongst those whose talents raised the highest expectations,
only to be disappointed in the m