the
public is impossible to say, but it seems to have been an unwise
measure originally in Pitt to give such a handle to such able
men as those who conduct the prosecution against Hastings;
indeed, he seems so sensible of it himself, that he has suffered
Sir E. Impey to escape impeachment, and has protected him
against it, which I do not know is not a stronger measure than
the other would have been.

I shall remain here till the 24th, when I am to receive L2000
from Mr. Campbell; and then, with my debts paid, I shall take
Sir George Warren's, in Cheshire, in my way to Wales, whence, if
I can get leave of absence, I shall certainly come over to you
for a short time; the Viscountess being inexorable on the bare
mention of Dublin, and we all know she is a steady one in her
resolutions.

The Fortescues are by this time perched at Castlehill, and he
has mounted a cockade in his title to it, of which he is very
proud and happy. He is so much liked and esteemed, and so
deservedly, that no appointment ever gave more universal
satisfaction.

The Nevilles are at Stanlake, and we were invited there next
Monday; but they have put us off till the end of the week, so we
shall put them off till another opportunity, as I must be in
town on the 24th.

Sir William and Lady Williams are preparing for a tour to
Switzerland, with your brother Tom; but I should not be
surprised, if the scheme, from some cause or other, would fall
to the ground, and end in Brighthelmstone, or some sea-bathing
place.

I saw your brother Marquis the day before yesterday, who told
me, that he heard, with the _greatest concern_, that your
popularity in Ireland was falling apace, and that the candles
were out; and concluded by asking me whether I had heard of it,
which I assured him I had not. He followed this up by several
eulogies on the comforts of Bowood, and of his domestic life.
Hah! hah! hah!

Robert Williams has attended his guard duty very regularly, and
General Hyde is very well pleased with him; he goes the 24th,
for a month, with a detachment to Hampton Court for a month.
Lady B. and he beg their love and respects to Lady Buckingham
and yourself.

Pray give me two lines, and believe me ever affectionately your
friend and servant,

B.

The first intimation of a brea