to-day," wrote Sir Thomas on the 27th of November, 1846,
"that the commission had entered on its duties, and received
instructions to inform you that it would be desirable, before the
commission proceeded further, to ascertain your lordship's views as to
the nature of the remuneration you would expect from Government in the
event of your plans being reported on favourably."

Lord Dundonald's reply was characteristic. "You intimate a wish on the
part of Government," he wrote on the 1st of December, "to ascertain my
views in regard to the 'remuneration' I expect, in the event of my plans
being favourably reported on. I reply that I devoted these plans,
thirty-five years ago, to the service of my country, that I have
reserved them through the most adverse and trying circumstances,
satisfied that at some future time I should prove my character to be
above pecuniary considerations or mercenary motives. I have looked
forward to the restoration of those honours, of which I was most
unjustly bereaved, and to freedom from mental anguish, endured
throughout an isolation from society of one-third of a century. I cannot
contrast with such sufferings, nor with my plans, any sum that
Government could bestow. Nevertheless, I have implicitly relied that
collateral deprivations and losses would be taken into consideration by
some future, just, and impartial Administration. I do most earnestly
hope that the period has now arrived."

That letter was communicated by Sir Thomas Hastings to Lord Auckland. "I
return the letter," he wrote to Sir Thomas on the 16th of December,
"which Lord Dundonald wrote to you upon the remuneration which he would
expect in the event of a favourable report upon his plans; namely,
first, his restoration to the honours of which he was deprived; and,
secondly, a consideration of collateral deprivations and losses. I am
sorry to acquaint you that the first condition is one to which I am not
authorized to promise an acquiescence. It is not necessary that I should
discuss the difficulties which occur to the restoration in question. I
can only express my own deep regret that they should exist, and that the
hopes which have been entertained by Lord Dundonald should be
disappointed. For myself, I personally regard him. I look upon his naval
career as most remarkable and most honourable; and I must lament
whatever may seem to detract from the advantage and grace of his return
to the navy."

"Sir Thomas Hastings," wro