date

1819 June 16 To Erskine Lett
1819 June 16

To Erskine

Lett. 7. Whigs Anti Reformists

§.3. 2. No desire testified

4

Well but I think I hear your Lordship saying – (for it is my humble endeavour to pick up and present to Your Lordship that plain sense which Your Lordships eloquence disdains throughout to stoop for) – Well but, (at any rate says /asks/ somebody) what say you to “that noble speech of M r Grey in which, throwing back in the teeth of the apostate Pitt his own declarations, he brings to view in the character of the only means by which the sort of change in question could or can ever be effected resolutions of the people meeting in bodies and to the purpose in question acting upon the prudence of the House. Say if you please that these are not now the sentiments of Earl Grey – it is not the less true that they were then declared to be the sentiments of M r Grey: if in so saying his patriot zeal did really outstep a little the line of moderation and prudence it lies not upon you to object to hear this generous transgression proper or improper this at any rate is what he said, and you even you, is it possible for you to say, how it was possible for him in the zeal of his /ardour of his/ exertions in favour of reform to go further or to say more?”

No, /Very likely not/ my Lord: nothing at any rate occurrs to be at present as promising to be on that occasion more highly conducive to the there professed object: and yet, to speak the truth and the whole truth at once /to come out with the plain truth at once/, it does not appear to me in any degree probable that in the shape of the Grey of that time this magnanimous /Whig/ leader of the Whigs had any more desire of reform in any shape than what he professes at present: and therefore leaving his sincerity to take care of herself, so far as constancy /regard/ is in question I do myself the honour thus to prove to shew myself his Lordships unbidden /uncalled/ as well as gratuitous advocate.
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