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Pitt was in Bath in 1754, at the time of the death of Pelham, 
and the Corporation then paid him great attention. Allen, in 
particular, had been affected by that glamour, which the great 
orator was so well able to cast over those who came within his 
circle. 
In the year 1757 Pitt was member for Oakhampton, but was 
tempted by Allen to resign that seat, and accept the representation 
of Bath. The two sitting members were Sir John Ligonier, K.B., 
and Mr. Robert Henley. The latter was a lawyer, and held the office 
of City Recorder. It was proposed to make Henley Lord Keeper, 
and this would of course have necessitated his withdrawal from 
Parliament. 
The first of the series of letters which I wish to bring before 
you is from the Mayor of Bath, Mr. Collibee, to Mr. Robert 
Potter, a friend of Mr. Pitt’s :— 
Sr, 
Your obliging Favour, dated the 20th, came to hand yesterday 
morning at eight ; in it you hint at a Conversation that pass’d between 
us in Regard to Mr. Pitts being a Candidate for this City. I remember 
at that time I set forth to you the connections that were between 
Mr. Langton and his Friends, and the improbability of their desisting 
from the intention of serving him till a generall Election. 
I immediately on the receipt of your letter conven’d my friends on 
the Business express’d in it, which I apprehended was unknown to 
any other persons ; but at the first outset of treaty with our Party, L 
found the Town was canvassing in favour of Mr. Pitt. 
Mr. Langton was sent to, and as his Resolutions are to offer himself 
a Candidate, his friends are determined to serve him. 
I should have given you an answer sooner, but as the affair was 
circumstanc’d possibly cculd not. 
I and my friends really have the same due sense and regard for 
Mr. Pitt as we have hitherto possess’d, and should be glad of testyfying 
that regard when we have an opportunity of doing it. 
I am yr. most hum. servt. 
EpwarD BusHELL COLLIBEE. 
