300 WAR AGAINST [1815. 



thing is necessary in point of consistency and honour 

 to the vindication of the principles which we have 

 supported, and as a record against the abominations 

 that are going on, I feel that I ought to be at their 

 command. I was in hopes that if I was in London in 

 time for the discussion of the treaties, which I think 

 could not by any means be forced on sooner than the 

 end of February, it would be enough. But if it is 

 thought material that I should be with you before the 

 meeting of Parliament, I will endeavour to get over 

 the real obstacles which there are to my leaving this 

 place so soon, and to be ready for any consultations in 

 which you may wish me to take a part by the 20th of 

 next month. Only give me as much time as you can. 

 I have said the same thing to Tierney and Holland, 

 who have pressed my coming. I think that in all 

 probability the Address will be such, and purposely 

 framed so, as to require some amendment on our part ; 

 but it appears to me desirable to avoid a discussion of 

 the treaties till they are formally before Parliament. 



"God knows, they afford matter enough for a sepa- 

 rate debate; and it is in general inexpedient, except as 

 far as a general indication of one's opinions, to antici- 

 pate such discussions amongst the general topics of an 

 address, in which the ministers always have an advan- 

 tage. I think, therefore, that we should confine our- 

 selves to a reserve of any positive declaration of our 

 opinions till fully informed, and to some strong recom- 

 mendation of economy and retrenchment. 



" These, you say rightly, are the subjects upon which, 

 if on any, the public may be brought to take an inter- 

 est; and I am very glad to hear that you have sent an 



