HIS LETTER TO THE AUTHOR. 57 



vene a meeting of the subscribers, for the purpose of proceed- 

 ing with the business of the Association. Accordingly, the 

 day was appointed, and a committee formed, which I pro- 

 nounced too inefficient to succeed ; and therefore desired that 

 Sir John Boileau, Bart., John Lacon, Esq., of Ormsby, and 

 Mr. Lemon, of Whitwell, should be added to the number ; 

 gentlemen whose philanthropy and ability had been proved 

 on various public occasions. 



Unfortunate in my endeavour to obtain this acquisition, as 

 in everything else that I proposed, I still resolved to carry 

 out, if possible, the designs of the Society, with the very feeble 

 coadjutors appointed me; with what success the following 

 correspondence will best elucidate. Nor will Mr. Rous com- 

 plain of its insertion, but rather feel grateful for my forbear- 

 ance in not having added the remainder. 



Wednesday, 8th March. 

 MY DEAR SIR, 



I WAS truly sorry to hear that no progress was made 

 last week by the Committee in the labours of the Society; 

 and more so, because the check arose from some difference 

 between yourself on the one hand, and the rest of the Com- 

 mittee on the other hand, as to the proper mode of conducting 

 the business of the Society ; and particularly with reference to 

 the expenditure of the funds of the Society. 



1 do sincerely hope that you are free from any unfounded 

 impression that the Committee undervalues your honourable 

 character, or the high services which you have rendered the 

 public. You may be assured that every individual of that 

 Committee duly appreciates your labours. 



Let me beg of you to take it into your calm consideration 

 that the Committee has been regularly appointed for the sole 

 management of the business of the Society and of the Society's 

 funds. The Committee is responsible to the subscribers for 

 every shilling expended ; it is therefore but reasonable that it 

 should be the sole authority for contracting debts. 



On all points connected with the business of the Society, I 

 am certain that the Committee will gratefully lend you a will- 

 ing ear, and will give all the weight to your recommendations 



