eases. On the whole, the success of government
usually depended on the bargain made with a very few men. The resident
lieutenancy may have made some change, and given a strength to
government, which formerly, I know, it had not; still, however, I am of
opinion, the former state, though in other hands perhaps, and in another
manner, still continues. The house you are connected with is grown into
a much greater degree of power than it had, though it was very
considerable, at the period I speak of. If the D. of L. takes a popular
part, he is sure of the city of Dublin, and he has a young man attached
to him who stands very forward in Parliament and in profession, and, by
what I hear, with more good-will and less envy than usually attends so
rapid a progress. The movement of one or two principal men, if they
manage the little popular strength which is to be found in Dublin and
Ulster, may do a great deal, especially when money is to be saved and
taxes to be kept off. I confess I should despair of your succeeding with
any of them, if they cannot be satisfied that every job which they can
look for on account of carrying this measure would be just as sure to
them for their ordinary support of government. They are essential to
government, which at this time must not be disturbed, and their
neutrality will be purchased at as high a price as their alliance
offensive and defensive. Now, as by supporting they may get as much as
by betraying their country, it must be a great leaning to turpitude that
can make them take a part in this war. I am satisfied, that, if the Duke
of Leinster and Lord Shannon would act together, this business could not
go on; or if either of them took part with Ponsonby, it would have no
better success. Hutchinson's situation is much altered since I saw you.
To please Tisdall, he had been in a manner laid aside at the Castle. It
is now to be seen whether he prefers the gratification of his resentment
and his appetite for popularity, both of which are strong enough in him,
to the advantages which his independence gives him, of making a new
bargain, and accumulating new offices on his heap. Pray do not be asleep
in this scene of action,--at this time, if I am right, the principal.
The Protestants of Ireland will be, I think, in general, backward: they
form infinitely the greatest part of the landed and the moneyed
interests; and they will not like to pay. The Papists are reduced to
beasts of burden: they will gi