472 CORRESPONDENCE. [1825. 



sion. It certainly has been discussed, and decided 

 against, but they may be forced to it. I mean the 

 Government when I say forced, for the Bank want to 

 have it ; and the country gentlemen and farmers, con- 

 necting it with high prices, &c., will be very ready to 

 urge it. I believe you may rely on this, that the 

 Government are in a greater stew than they ever were 

 in ; and I don't at all discredit the reports (which it is 

 the fashion to laugh at) of the Cabinet sitting on Fri- 

 day till twelve at night, of Parliament being called 

 together, and the Guards being in readiness. Indeed, 

 this last is certain ; and it seems equally so that the 

 ministers will take no responsibility, but, as usual, 

 throw all on a committee and a vote of the House ; 

 that is, if things go on so as to make them suspend. 

 If they do not, then this crisis will be soon over, though 

 with great loss to individuals and much local distress. 

 " Wentworth's bank can't go on. They had every- 

 thing examined; and though Lord Fitzwilliam and 

 Milton (for Chaloner) would have raised 200,000, it 

 was found impossible even with that. Then a middle 

 course (to try a letter of licence) was thought of, and 

 is now abandoned. So to-morrow they will have a 

 docket struck. Nothing can exceed the conduct of Lord 

 Fitzwilliam and Milton on this trying occasion. It 

 was hardly credible, even to those who knew them. 

 Chaloner's disinterestedness and honour are hardly less 

 to be admired. If I hear anything before the post to- 

 morrow, I will add a P.S. Yours ever, 



"H. BROUGHAM." 



"HiLL STREET, December 19, 1825. 



" MY DEAR LORD GREY, You can have no idea of 



