From what I hear, the blow is felt by Opposition. They are very
sore at the connexion you have formed, and endeavour to hold out
that the Government is not strengthened by it. There can be no
doubt of its increased strength, provided the whole of Canning's
party, with him at the head, do not form a junction with Lord
Lansdowne; and this seems impossible, for some time to come at
least. Indeed, those most connected with him still hold out that he
is to go to India, though not immediately. I was not aware till a
day or two ago that he was to have a Peerage previous to his
return, but not on his assuming the Government.

Ever truly yours,

W. H. F.

LORD GLASTONBURY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Conduit Street, Dec 21, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD,

Nothing can be more honourable than the arrangements lately
proposed to you by Lord Liverpool, or more dignified and consistent
than your acceptance of them on your own part and on that of your
friends', whether considered in a public or private point of view.
I am most thankful to you for the communication of them, and I feel
most sensibly the very flattering and affectionate terms in which
you convey it. I share, believe me, most warmly in the pride and
exultation which yourself and every part of your family must feel
on your advancement to the highest rank in the Peerage. This was
the object of your good father through the whole course of his life
(who _justly_ considered it as the most _substantial_ proof of
Royal favour which could be given), as it has been of yours; and
you have now the gratification of obtaining it thus speedily, and
(as it must be universally allowed) without any dereliction of
principle or submission whatsoever. On the contrary, you have
asserted your right to maintain all your old opinions, and to
adhere to them in spite of all possible contingencies: nothing more
could be required by you, and your satisfaction must be complete. I
must likewise observe on your Dukedom (and I feel a pride in making
the observation), that you are to be called to it without a
companion, which adds considerably to the distinction. This great
boon, therefore, is conferred on you with every circumstance which
must make the acquisition complete, and, in any point of view, it
is of higher value as it brings no responsible