which you are invited to unite yourself!

I really had, after receiving your first letter, begun to accustom
myself to look at the bright side of the question alone, and to
indulge soothing visions of honour and happiness to you both in
the new course which is opened to you. And I will endeavour, and
for my own peace of mind I _must_ endeavour, still so to do.

But the decision must rest, where it ought to rest, with yourself
and with Charles; and I can have no other sentiment or feeling on
the subject, but that which leads me to offer up the most earnest
wishes and prayers that it may be such as shall be most honourable
and happy to yourselves, and through you to the country.

I have shown this to my brother, who desires me only to add on his
part, that Wellesley's nomination had made the same impression on
him, as offering a new and most important change in the _face_ of
the Government, and _that_ (as Lord Londonderry would say) in one
of its largest _features_; and that this feeling is with him, as
with me, more than _neutralized_ by a measure to which, forming, as
it will do, a part of the new proposed arrangements, you and yours
are directly made parties.

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO MR. W. H. FREMANTLE.

London, Dec. 3, 1821.

MY DEAR FREMANTLE,

Since I saw you this morning I have learned that Lord Sidmouth is
to remain in the Cabinet by the King's particular desire. I have
not seen Lord Liverpool, but I conclude that he omitted to mention
this from forgetfulness. Indeed, I had myself forgotten that the
King had in the discussions of last summer, desired it.

I beg you, however, to recollect that ours is not, nor never has
been, a _controversial_ Cabinet upon any subject; and that a man
more or less of any particular opinion will not have the slightest
influence on the decision of any question.

Believe me, ever yours most sincerely,

WELLINGTON.

THE MARQUIS WELLESLEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Richmond, Dec. 3, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD,

I received your kind note just as I was going to dinner. I will not
detain your servant longer than to return you my sincere thanks. I
will write more fully in the course of the evening, and will take
care that you shall receive my letter early to-morrow. In the
meantime I beg leave to inform you that