^T. 29.] THE WAR. 381 



tions, and if necessary, make reinforcements. Surely, 

 with the sea open to them, Alexandria might have 

 been maintained and supplied long enough for this 

 purpose at least ; and afterwards evacuated if min- 

 isters, disapproving of our plan, should have given 

 orders to that effect without loss. 



"I see they have got my circular-letter in the 

 ' Courier/ and make a foolish attack upon our deter- 

 mination to oppose right or wrong, without knowing 

 what is to be in the king's speech. There are subjects 

 which must be in the king's speech. There are also 

 subjects of so much importance that, if omitted in the 

 king's speech, the House of Commons ought not to 

 pass them over for a single hour without animadver- 

 sion. The dissolution of Parliament comes within 

 both these descriptions. It is impossible that it should 

 not be adverted to in the king's speech; or if ministers, 

 ashamed of what they have done, and afraid of the 

 discussion, should wish to evade it by a total silence 

 on this interesting subject, the case is so strong, and 

 the circumstances connected with it so extraordinary, 

 that no man jealous either of the real prerogatives of 

 the Crown, or of the liberties of the people, could avoid 

 on the first opportunity proposing a representation 

 upon this point to the king. I am yours very sin- 

 cerely, HOWICK." 



The following is also from LordHowick (undated) : 

 " It is very difficult to make a defence against at- 

 tacks of this kind without saying more than perhaps 



