those who vote for it to any opinion as to the wisdom of
Ministers; but I think, however bad, in point of tactics in
general, it may be to propose an amendment, that, under existing
circumstances, an amendment must be moved. The query then is,
whether we should explain our vote? and if we do, what should be
the nature of that explanation?

The Government people either are, or pretend to be, in better
spirits than they were three weeks ago; but I have great doubts
whether they will be able to withstand the storm;--at all events,
if they do, they will be severely shattered; all will depend on
whether they can get their friends to vote. They very much
encourage the idea that we are to support them, and to take office
at or about Easter; but this is a _ruse de guerre_ resorted to at
the opening of every session.--I never witnessed more dismay than
was excited by a rumour very much circulated last week, that
Plunket was to take an active part against the Government.

Another report set on foot is, that the King is very desirous that
the Government may be beaten on the Address, as it will give him a
good excuse to get rid of them.

I fear there is little chance of Wynn's coming to London till the
last moment; but I have not heard anything from him on this point.

Believe me, my dear Lord,

Your Lordship's obliged and faithful servant,

JOSEPH PHILLIMORE.

MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Stanhope Street, Jan. 24, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD,

I waited till now to write to you, to give you my opinion on the
first appearance of things. The House of Commons is evidently
determined to support the Ministers, and I see the Opposition think
so, for they are not near so triumphant as I should have expected;
and there are strong symptoms already of dissension between the
Mountain and Whigs; the former are turbulent to a degree, and tried
once or twice yesterday to stop debate by noise and clamour; and
the few words I had with your brother[60] showed me _he_ was
discontented. He said the Opposition were destroying their own
game, and that there was no hope; that they were milk-and-water,
and did not seize the advantages they possessed. From this it is
clear their meeting at Burlington House was not quite satisfactory,
and I am persuaded the violent ones wishe