f the state of administration, and
of the hollowness of their support on any question which is not
vital. I suppose they now look to replace the Doctor and Van. by
Peel and Canning, who are evidently extremely disposed to return
together.

I agree with you in thinking the Bill, as it originally stood, with
the explanation of the oath, was preferable to its present form;
but _on fait ce qu'on peut_ and _non ce qu'on veut_. The best way
of all would be to make the oath now proposed general for
Protestants and Catholics, but this, I fear, is impossible.

I fear that we shall be all Monday on the question of admissibility
to Parliament, and must reserve the Privy Council and the Judges
for Tuesday.

It is intended to add the second Bill in the shape of clauses to
the first. I suppose we can hardly hope to carry it up to your
House till Monday, the 2nd. As to the affairs of the South, my view
very closely concurs with yours.

I will make some inquiry about the office of Lord Chancellor of
Ireland before I again write; but I do not myself feel any alarm at
the exercise of visitatorial or any other power _in curia_ by a
Catholic, and think, indeed, it might more safely be lodged in his
hands than in those of an Unitarian or bigoted Presbyterian, who
might both now hold it.

Believe me, ever most truly yours,

C. WILLIAMS WYNN.

More than one communication printed in this volume has indicated that
the Government were anxious to secure the services of the leading
members of the Grenville party. It will be seen that the former became
more and more conscious of the desirableness of such a junction.

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

London, March 27, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD BUCKINGHAM,

I have received your letter; and you may rely upon it, that there
is no man more desirous than I am of strengthening the connexion
between your family and the Government. I think that the services
which you have, upon principle, rendered to them are of a nature to
give you every claim to their consideration; and I am very much
mistaken if this feeling is not common to all those at present
forming the Administration.

I shall be very happy in being instrumental in forwarding any wish
of yours; and I will so conduct myself as not to involve you in
anything.

Belie