olic question.

The business has hung over from that time to the present, and
though the measure was understood, nothing effectual has been done
towards its accomplishment till within this few days. On the
subject of the Roman Catholics, or as to the policy to be pursued
respecting the bringing forward this question, I never have given,
or indeed formed, any definite opinion, and with respect to it I
hold myself just in the same situation as if I were to remain
utterly unconnected with Administration. It appears to me that
great advantages may be derived to that cause from the introduction
of its known and steady friends to some share in his Majesty's
counsels, and I own I should grieve if any circumstance was to
withhold your Lordship's services, and those of some of your near
friends, at this critical period.

That the Roman Catholic question cannot, for any great length of
time, be kept back, appears to me evident; but it seems equally
clear that there is great occasion for caution, and much room for
accommodation, as to the time of bringing it forward; nothing
could be more injurious than the risking the loss of the vantage
ground which we have taken possession of during the last session;
and one cannot but apprehend that such might be the consequence of
bringing the measure forward, without some better prospect of good
sense and good temper on the part of the Roman Catholic clergy,
than they displayed on the late occasion. Of some improvement in
that quarter I am led to entertain hopes, as well as on the part
of those of the laity who were least manageable. All these are
arguments for delay; at the same time, this should be entirely
kept open for discretion, and above all, should not be liable to
be considered as the result of contract or stipulation, especially
with any portion of the Government, which would unavoidably tend
to throw the Roman Catholic body into dangerous hands. Under these
circumstances, and reserving this perfect freedom, I am quite
disposed to attend in Parliament, and render whatever services I
can to the general measures of Administration.

I write to your Lordship, as you desire it, fully, my opinions on
a subject, when I should be much more disposed to ask yours, were
I on the spot or the time admitted it. Will you have the goodness
to commun