o Mr. Rogers his intention to take a part in the discussion,
a communication was, by the intervention of that gentleman, opened
between the noble poet and Lord Holland, who, with his usual courtesy,
professed himself ready to afford all the information and advice in his
power. The following letters, however, will best explain their first
advances towards acquaintance.

LETTER 88. TO MR. ROGERS.

"February 4. 1812.

"My dear Sir,

"With my best acknowledgments to Lord Holland, I have to offer my
perfect concurrence in the propriety of the question previously to
be put to ministers. If their answer is in the negative, I shall,
with his Lordship's approbation, give notice of a motion for a
Committee of Enquiry. I would also gladly avail myself of his most
able advice, and any information or documents with which he might
be pleased to intrust me, to bear me out in the statement of facts
it may be necessary to submit to the House.

"From all that fell under my own observation during my Christmas
visit to Newstead, I feel convinced that, if _conciliatory_
measures are not very soon adopted, the most unhappy consequences
may be apprehended. Nightly outrage and daily depredation are
already at their height, and not only the masters of frames, who
are obnoxious on account of their occupation, but persons in no
degree connected with the malecontents or their oppressors, are
liable to insult and pillage.

"I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken on my
account, and beg you to believe me ever your obliged and sincere,"
&c.

* * * * *

LETTER 89. TO LORD HOLLAND.

"8. St. James's Street, February 25. 1812.

"My Lord,

"With my best thanks, I have the honour to return the Notts, letter
to your Lordship. I have read it with attention, but do not think I
shall venture to avail myself of its contents, as my view of the
question differs in some measure from Mr. Coldham's. I hope I do
not wrong him, but _his_ objections to the bill appear to me to be
founded on certain apprehensions that he and his coadjutors might
be mistaken for the '_original advisers_' (to quote him) of the
measure. For my own part, I consider the manufacturers as a much
injured body of men, sacrificed to the views of certain individuals
who