to settle the question.' This is
the old argument, as if after thirty years' discussion in every
shape it was not time to settle the question. As if those who
undertake to govern the country were not the men who are bound to
find the means of settling it and allaying the irritation it
causes. And as if, instead of no two persons being agreed upon
the subject, all the ablest and wisest men in the country were
not cordially agreed that complete emancipation is the only
remedy for the evils that exist, and that they are opposed by the
most despicable faction which ever existed, animated by the most
base and sordid motives. This letter was read to me as conveying
the Duke's opinions, which his secretary thought were very sound
and sensible, and which I think evinced a degree of anility quite
pitiable, and proves how little there is to expect from any
liberality and good sense on his part.

[11] [Mr. Peel's confidential letter to the Duke of
Wellington, stating his reluctant conviction that it
was indispensably necessary for the Government to
change its policy on the Catholic question, was written
on the 11th of August, 1828. The letter is published in
Sir Robert Peel's 'Posthumous Memoirs,' vol. i, p. 189.
It is a remarkable circumstance that Mr. Dawson's
speech at Derry was made _just one week afterwards_;
but there is no evidence that he knew of the change in
his brother-in-law's opinion. See for further details
as to the effect of Dawson's speech _infra_.]

[12] [This letter is published in the Duke of Wellington's
'Correspondence,' New Series, vol. iv. p. 633. The Duke
said, 'Dawson's speech is too bad. Surely a man who
does such things ought to be put in a strait
waistcoat.' _Ibid._ p. 636.]

[Page Head: DISMISSAL OF THE LORD HIGH ADMIRAL.]

I do not yet know the whole truth of the Lord High Admiral's
resignation, but it seems that it is not yet certain. Negotiations
on the subject are still going on. I believe he quarrelled with
his council, particularly Cockburn, and that Government took part
with Cockburn. The Duke of Clarence wants to promote deserving
officers, but they oppose it on account of the expense, and they
find in everything great difficulty in keeping him in order. His
resignation will be very unpopular in the navy, for his system of
promotion was m