324 VISIT TO FRANCE. [1817. 



seen I mean that of a man rising towards the head 

 of our profession. He has now indeed reached the 

 heights of it, and will presently be at the very top. 

 He continues equally attached to us, personally and 

 politically, though the temptations are trebled to be 

 neutral. His value to our cause is augmented in pro- 

 portion ; and when the age of some of our lawyers 

 and the indifferent health of others is considered, as a 

 mere professional friend in the party his value is not 

 trifling. Now, what I would suggest is this : he has 

 twice stood a contest for Lewes, spent his money and 

 his labour, and failed, though he has certainly formed 

 a strong interest there, and has a very fair prospect of 

 succeeding next time, though it will require additional 

 expense as well as labour. To bestow this he has no 

 sort of reluctance. But he would spend his money 

 naturally enough with much greater freedom were he 

 sure of its not being thrown away. Therefore, suppose 

 you have no one whom you prefer, and that you have 

 a seat to spare, it seems desirable to come to some 

 such understanding with him as this.; you shall have 

 a seat at all events, but you are to -do your utmost to 

 bring yourself in for Lewes. If you succeed, well 

 if you fail, we bring you in. This might not be safe 

 with everybody ; but I am sure, from what I know of 

 Scarlett's great sense of honour, and also his desire to 

 carry Lewes, it is quite .safe with him ; and instead of 

 relaxing, will redouble his efforts. "Were he uncertain, 

 he might feel (and I know he does feel), as a man with 

 a family depending on him, hardly justified in spending 

 much money at a hazard. Pray turn this matter over 

 in your mind, and let me /know how it strikes you. 



" The Lansdownes come here to-morrow, and the 

 Jerseys are coming in a few days. I had fixed with 



