e. But I cannot think them so ignorant as not to see the
infinite advantage which the success of such a motion would give
their friends in any future discussion.

My own opinion, indeed, is that it is in something of this
piecemeal way that their object will ultimately be obtained; and I
should not be without considerable hope of seeing Canning's measure
carried, even in this year, if I felt quite sure that it would have
fair play given it.

As to the prudence of postponing or bringing forward the main
question this year I have formed no opinion, and I mean to form
none. I have done with such speculations; I have entire confidence
in Plunket's judgment and uprightness; and my greatest fear is that
of seeing the measure taken out of his hands, to fall into worse,
and worse I am sure they will be into whatever hands other than his
it can fall. He is coming here on Friday, and if you wish to say
anything to him on the subject, you cannot do better than meet him.

THE RIGHT HON. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

Englefield Green, April 10, 1822.

MY DEAR DUKE,

The note you have enclosed me makes the thing more embarrassing,
and I have been puzzling my brain how I can possibly promote the
object; but I really know not in what way I could move. I could
write a _private and confidential letter_ to Lord Conyngham (whom I
know intimately), stating the case, and expressing your
embarrassment about it; but I don't know whether you would approve
of this, and I cannot think of any other means. Let me know by
return of post, and I will act accordingly. Perhaps you would write
yourself to him, quite as a private friend (if you know him well
enough), but if you had rather I should, only say so. I am quite
sure, from Bloomfield's letter, it is meant to be done; but the
_chief_ is so strange and inconsistent, and I suppose so perfectly
incapable of going through with his business, that unless he has a
man at his elbow constantly to jog him on, he is not to be depended
on for one moment.

I shall remain here till the day before the meeting. I dread any
confusion that may arise from the jumble of the Catholic question.
Be assured, whatever one may think of this question, it is not one
that the public will go with you upon, in any measure of hostility
to the Government,