1819 June 3

To Erskine

Lett. 6. E. Anti Reformist

§.1 Introduction

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In pursuit of the above-mentioned conjoined objects, the first point which on the present occasion it seems to me that I have to bring to view is – the acknowledgment made by Your Lordship – made in sundry passages – of the necessity of parliamentary reform {to good government} as evidenced by the corruptness of the system of government in its present state. Short title. Corruption of Parliament confessed by Lord Erskine.

This acknowledgment seems to have been suggested to Your Lordships eloquence by Your Lordships prudence: for without it, the sincerity of the wishes so entertained (we are to suppose) by Your Lordships Clients and expressed by their learned and Noble Advocate, might have seemed dubious.

The misfortune is that in this course your Lordships eloquence has all along to steer between two breakers. Supposing the confession too sparing, the confidence demanded might not be purchased by it: supposing the confession too ample and explicit, a more efficient and substantial plan of reform might be looked out for by the people than can be afforded by those their self-stiled defenders. /patrons./

In this difficulty it seems to me that I see the cause of the trepidation and vacillation betrayed in some of the ensuing paragraphs, which under the head above denominated I shall have to recall to your Lordship’s observation.