er
you had any, respecting others, and for that reason I asked the
question.

It certainly referred only to the particular object in question, if
occasion should offer--that is, if the Catholic Bill should
pass--as you did not go farther with me. But if you feel disposed
to talk with me upon your situation, and that of your friends, in
relation to the Government in general, you will find me well
disposed to enter into the subject, and to do anything in which you
may think I can be of service to forward your views, in the same
mode as I have upon the object first mentioned. I shall be at the
office today till five o'clock, and to-morrow from two. I can go in
to you at any hour; and I think I had better go to you, as your
visit to me there might be observed.

Ever yours most sincerely,

WELLINGTON.

The Catholic Relief Bill was brought before the House of Lords on the
3rd of April, and a very animated debate on the question took place on
the 17th, when the Duke of York made an emphatic declaration in
opposition; and, although Lord Grenville delivered an able speech in
its support, the motion was negatived on a second reading.

The division on the second reading of the Bill was 159 against, 120
for, showing a majority of 39. On the measure being lost, Lord Eldon,
the most zealous of the anti-Catholics, thus writes:--"It was quite
clear in Lord Grenville's speech that, professing that the Bill must be
greatly amended in the Committee, he did most carefully abstain from
pointing out one single enactment that could be left untouched, or one
that he would introduce as one of his great amendments. He was very
dexterous in avoiding saying that he would have no securities; but I
think it is clear that is now his meaning. The Duke of York has done
more to quiet this matter than everything else put together. It has had
a great effect. I have nothing further to delay your drinking to the
thirty-nine who saved the Thirty-nine Articles--a very fashionable
toast."[62]

[62] "Life," by Twiss, vol. ii. p. 40.

"As to Liverpool," writes the Lord Chancellor, "I do not know what he
means. To please Grenville, he makes a Regius Professor--friend to the
Catholics. To please Lansdowne, he makes a Bishop of Bristol and Regius
Professor--friend to the Catholics. He therefore, I dare say, will not
stir a step beyond pronouncing in words his speech. I am not quite
conten