ision than before; such language is
proper, because ordinary men consider numbers as a shelter for
their opinions and conduct, and some even consider it as the test
of truth. But this language hath not its origin in my judgment and
feelings. There are circumstances which impress great doubt on my
mind, whether the division can be so favourable to our wishes, as
was the last. Taking the data of the examination of the physicians,
the King's recovery therein presumed, gives a vantage-ground in
argument for limitations. But I am sorry to say this ground is now
shaken: the public is no longer sanguine in hopes, medical
gentlemen have generally conspired to render the object of
recovery much more doubtful at least, and the physicians about the
King have had dissensions and disputes amongst themselves. It is
now rumoured that Dr. Warren wishes to be re-examined. All this is
indeed not before the House of Commons, and the report of the
physicians is; I think, therefore, that though not so decisive, we
yet shall have a considerable majority on the premises; but even
for this dependant on other considerations--namely, how far
apprehensions of the King's actual demise may operate from, I
believe, the faithful report of the day, that a fever is come on,
and that for a day or two past the King has had a constant sweating
of the head, to which he was at no time before accustomed.
According to wishes or fears, men construe this crisis to portend
health or decease; the political effect in the alternative, being
in the first case uncertain, in the second case certain. The bent
of this is against us, as few narrow motives and personal
considerations may extend and favour the active spirit of
subornation which stalks in open day, with each hand full of
patents of honour and purses of money. Offers have been so prodigal
that not fifty years of patronage could accomplish the performance.
Those gentlemen who have rejected these kind tenders of service
speak openly, and no notice is taken. In these moments of public
curiosity, it may not be so well to trust names to a letter. I
could give you several.

The bearing of this letter is thus unfavourable to this night's
debate terminating _fully_ as we could wish, though yet I think
_for us_. Having thus far written, I s