ivate consideration between us, that is only
to be glanced at. I give you my honor that Phil has tendered me two
hundred, which I will not take, of course, either from you or him until
the premises are cleared of the present tenants, This must be done
very soon, and, I think it is much to be wished that Harman, who is a
choleric scoundrel, should be put out of the way, if possible, If he is
transported it will save us a good deal of annoyance. I should regret
a meeting between him and Phil very much. Phil tells me that he once
pulled his, Harman's, nose, and it is very natural that he should bear
him a grudge for it. There is half a year's rent due this day, and the
term mentioned in the notice to quit, expires next week. So far,
then, all is right; we have them in our power, and can proceed safely.
Parliament will, it is well ascertained, be certainly dissolved about
the end of May next, so that we must work double tides to bring in
his Lordship. There is a devilish spirit abroad, however, which will
occasion us much trouble; but I cannot agree with you about renewing the
leases, notwithstanding. It is just doing by those who are obstinate and
ill-disposed, precisely as we ought; that is, holding a whip over their
heads, and assuring them that we shall let it fall with rigor, unless
they are agreeable as they ought. The Hon. Richard Topertoe is in
London, but, between you and me, it matters little where he is; you
may judge of what an intermeddling fool he must be, when he had the
presumption to urge his Lordship to come to his native land, and live
on his estate. This d----d Ribbonism and outrage, in spite of all our
efforts, are still increasing; I think, however, that I shall be able
to make a pounce some of these days. I have my spies at work, and let me
tell you, that talk as they may, about its treachery and rascality, the
spy system is an admirable one; in fact, it is like a two-edged sword,
and cuts both ways, just as you wish. If, for instance, you cannot find
Ribbonism made to your hand, you may make it--that is, you can
corrupt first, and betray afterwards; which, at critical moments is
unquestionably (I say this between ourselves) a decided advantage. By
the by, my dear Solomon, the force of religion must be singularly strong
and impressive in your life and conduct, when you have been able so
wholesomely to influence that rascal bailiff of ours, Darby O'Drive. I
have seldom, indeed, never witnessed so strikin