1819 June 14

To Erskine

penult o

Lett 7. Whigs

2 or 1

Those in whose instance any such expectation as that of a disposition on their part to give up their seats seems /presents itself as/ untenable are the following

1. Members put in at present by Peers Members as per Table 300 [*] These, as often as by speech or vote they contributed any thing to the accomplishment of the plan, would be regarded by their respective patrons and by all other patrons, as guilty of a pretentious[?] and inexcusable act of treachery: In vain would they plead public spirit: their plea would be an object of derision: to purely self-regarding interest, in any the most unpopular /obnoxious/ form, would their conduct /the deed/ be ascribed in preference. In this instance a certain proportion of them but it is impossible for any are not in the secret to say what proportion, the nomination will have been gratuitous: in all these instances to the cry of treachery will be added that of ingratitude. The Court of public opinion by which conduct is influenced is not that the seat of which is held without doors /at a distance/ but that the seat of which is in the circle in which he moves. Who is there that does not know this? who is there that does not feel it?

2. Much in the like case would be those who were put in in the same time /way/ by Commoners. Numbers as per Table 187 171 exclusive of 16 nominated by Government.

3. Of the Country Gentlemen i.e. Great Landholders who with or without contest and expence bring themselves in by terrorism all such as are destitute of all talents by the reputation of which they could expect to be brought in under reform. Number, an indeterminable proportion out of 171.

[*] Parl Cal Introd CCCXIV