th the Prince of Wales, and been well primed with
_brandy_), returned to the charge, I understand at the express
desire of His Royal Highness. Erskine now spoke for near two
hours, and delivered the most stupid, gross, and indecent libel
against Pitt, that ever was imagined; the abuse was so
monstrous, that the House _hissed_ him at his conclusion. After
this, Rous proposed to produce some letters from the Treasury
and the Board of Control, as evidence of the construction of
Pitt's East India Bill; on this question we divided--for
receiving the evidence, 118; against, 242. The Lansdownes
divided against us; Pitt then moved himself for the letters. The
Bill was read a second time, and is committed for Wednesday,
when another attack will be made.

We reckon this a great triumph. You cannot conceive the clamour
that has been attempted to be raised on this occasion; and the
question of the new Act is certainly well contrived for the
union of the great men whom I have mentioned. It seemed great
mismanagement in the Opposition to divide on the question of
evidence, instead of pressing an adjournment, on which they
might have made a much better appearance. It is hardly to be
expected that we shall be quite as strong on the question of the
Bill itself; but you know the effect of a great majority, even
in preliminary questions, on the main subject.

Pitt took no sort of notice of Erskine's Billingsgate.

I will write to you after Wednesday, and shall then have some
other points to state to you. I am much obliged to you for your
kind attention to my Windsor job; but I beg you to consult your
own convenience in it, as it is not at all material to me.

Hastings's trial you hear enough of from others. One fact you
cannot have heard, as we have but just received the accounts at
the Treasury; the expense of the counsel and solicitors
attending the management has already amounted to near L5000, the
trial having lasted as yet only eleven days. There are five
counsel employed at ten guineas a-day, besides consultation
fees, and consultations are held every night. The first charge
is not yet finished. Make your own calculations of the probable
expense of this business, and of the patronage which it has
placed in the immaculate hands of the great orators.

Ever yours most affectionate