lay the settlement of the
question. Not, as you well know, because I am not heart and soul a
Free Trader, but because I think it a more patriotic, as well as a
more consistent, course for you to take. Then if you come into
office, as seems probable, you may make what improvements you like,
and especially put an end to the miserable trifling about
slave-grown sugar; a question in which I take a sentimental
interest, as your first gift to me was your great sugar speech in
1841.

_Lord John to Lady John Russell_

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _February_ 9, 1846

Here I am in the House of Commons, on the important night of Corn,
having just introduced Morpeth as a new Member. It all makes me
very nervous--I mean to speak to-night, and I must take care not to
join in the bitterness of the Tories, and at the same time to avoid
the praise of the Ministry, which I see is the fashion. ... I am
glad you all take such interest in the present struggle--it would
be difficult not to do so. Our majority will, I hope, be eighty. As
matters stand at present no one feels sure of the Lords.

_Lord John to Lady John Russell_

CHESHAM PLACE, _February_ 16, 1846

The events of the last few days have been remarkable. There has
been no move, no agitation in the counties; but wherever a contest
is announced the Protection party carry it hollow.... In London the
Protectionists have created in a fortnight a very strong and
compact party, from 220 to 240, in the Commons, and no one knows
how many in the Lords--thus we are threatened with a revival of the
real old Tory party. Of course they are very civil to us, and they
all say that we ought to have settled this question and not Sir
Robert. But how things may turn out no one can say.

_Lord John to Lady John Russell_

CHESHAM PLACE, _February_ 21, 1846

I trust the feelings you have, and the enjoyment you seem to take
in the flowers and buds of the garden, show that you have before
you the opening Paradise of good health.

Baby's letter is very merry indeed. I long to see his little face
and curly locks again.

I am going to have a meeting at twelve and of twelve on the affairs
of Ireland. It is a thorny point, and vexes me more than the Corn
Laws. Lord Bessborough and Lansdowne are too much inclined to
coercion, and I fear we shall