, a warm fireside, and you
chattering beside it. This sort of philosophy, an odd kind of cross
between Stoicism and Epicureanism, I have learned, where most people
unlearn all their philosophy, in crowded senates and fine drawing-rooms.

But time flies, and Grant's dinner will be waiting. He keeps open house
for us during this fight.

Ever yours

T. B. M.

London: July 22, 1833.

My dear Father,--We are still very anxious here. The Lords, though they
have passed the Irish Church Bill through its first stage, will very
probably mutilate it in Committee. It will then be for the Ministers to
decide whether they can with honour keep their places. I believe that
they will resign if any material alteration should be made; and then
everything is confusion.

These circumstances render it very difficult for me to shape my course
right with respect to the West India Bill, the Second Reading of which
stands for this evening. I am fully resolved to oppose several of the
clauses. But to declare my intention publicly, at a moment when the
Government is in danger, would have the appearance of ratting. I must be
guided by circumstances; but my present intention is to say nothing on
the Second Reading. By the time that we get into Committee the political
crisis, will, I hope, be over; the fate of the Church Bill will be
decided one way or the other; and I shall be able to take my own
course on the Slavery question without exposing myself to the charge of
deserting my friends in a moment of peril.

Ever yours affectionately

T. B. MACAULAY.

To Hannah M. Macaulay.

London: July 24, 1833,

My dear Sister,--You will have seen by the papers that the West India
debate on Monday night went off very quietly in little more than an
hour. To-night we expect the great struggle, and I fear that, much
against my inclination, I must bear a part in it. My resignation is in
Lord Althorp's hands. He assures me that he will do his utmost to obtain
for me liberty to act as I like on this question; but Lord Grey and
Stanley are to be consulted, and I think it very improbable that they
will consent to allow me so extraordinary a privilege. I know that, if I
were Minister, I would not allow such latitude to any man in office; and
so I told Lord Althorp. He answered in the kindest and most flattering
manner; told me that in office I had surpassed their expectations, and
that, much as they wished to bring me in last year, they wished much
more