L10 a year. Have had
to do ditto.

_May 14th._--Had an extraordinary letter from VULLIAMY this morning.
He is staying at Billsbury--but the letter explains itself. Here it
is:--

MY DEAR PATTLE, (_Confidential._)

I am asked to let you know that a Committee Meeting has been
called for Friday 16th, and it is hoped that, at all costs,
you will make it convenient to attend. You know how great
an interest I have always taken in your career. I have
always told you that any experience I may have gained in
electioneering matters (and I have been at it for about twenty
years now) is entirely at your service. You will therefore
forgive me if I speak quite frankly to you on some questions
which intimately concern your Candidature. I don't meet you as
often as I should wish, and I am therefore impelled to write
to you on matters which require your serious consideration,
and on which you ought to be prepared to make a definite
statement on Friday next. I have used the opportunity of my
stay here to see how the land lay with regard to you. Hitherto
you have done very well, but mere public meetings will not
win an election, and you must make up your mind ere very long
to come and stay here, so as to canvass each ward, under the
guidance of the proper "officers."

Then there is the question of money! The Registration _must_
he paid for by the Candidate. It will be heavy this year. You
can talk it over with the Committee, but certainly L100 to
L150 will be absolutely necessary. Whatever the sum is, you
must be prepared to pay it. I trust you will excuse my being
candid with you, both for your own sake and the Party's. If
L200 or L300 more or less is any object to you, and if you
(_or your friends_) are not prepared to do certain things,
such as bringing up voters, &c., it is useless your hoping
to win. I don't suggest bribery and corruption, but certain
things not immoral, though perhaps illegal, must be done. That
is why I once suggested to you that someone from here should
have an interview with some friend who might represent you.
You did not respond to this. You do not appear willing to be
guided by your Committee even in the expenditure of L15 for
chairs and tables for your new Committee-room; and I must
repeat that such excessive caution will not be followed by
success. You wi