JET. 48.] EARL GREY. 4/1 



my authority is very good, that if there is an opposi- 

 tion in Devonshire it will go hard with Acland. 



" Of my own interest in this event I know nothing 

 more. Howick was at the assizes, and on the grand 

 j ury, and introduced to a good many of the gentlemen. 

 I think he would be nearly certain if there was a little 

 more decision and energy in our friends. The great 

 danger is from Howick's taking it into his head sud- 

 denly to declare himself, and throwing everything into 

 confusion. This might be obviated by an immediate 

 declaration of Howick's ; but this would entail on us 

 all the expense and trouble of an immediate and pro- 

 tracted canvass. I have no other prospect for him. 



" Lady Grey much the same, but better. I am my- 

 self quite well, and all the rest of my family. Ever 

 yours, GREY. 



"Lansdowne is expected at Saltram (Lord Hen- 

 ley's), and also Huskisson and Eobinson ; but whether 

 at the same time, I know not." 



TO EAEL GEEY. 



"December 18, 1825. 



"MY DEAR LORD GREY, The newspapers have, 1 

 assure you, not at all exaggerated the state of things 

 here (in the City, I mean) last week, especially Tues- 

 day. There was a moment when all the banks might 

 have gone. The panic is over, but the mischief has 

 been done ; and certainly there will be failures among 

 merchants now. Besides, the country banks are 

 spreading embarrassments everywhere ; and the Bank 

 of England has been much drained. I should there- 

 fore not be at all surprised any day to see a suspen- 



