ny)

PEEL'S REPLY.

397

“It is my intention, on the passing of the Corn Bill, to 1846.
Make instant arrangements for going abroad for ab least a Zr. 42.
Year, and it is not likely after Friday next that I shall
*Ppear in the House. This is my reason for venturing
“Pon so abrupt a communication of all that is passing in
Wy mind, I reiterate the assurance that no person will
know that I have addressed you, and repeating my request
that this letter be exclusively for your own eyes,
1 bave the honour to be, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Ricaarp COBDEN,
“Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Pes], Bart. M.P.”

“P.S. I am of opinion that a dissolution, in the way I
Suggested, with yourself still in power, would very much
facilitate the easy return of those on your side who voted
With you, And any members of your government whe had
® difficulty with their present seats would, if they adhered
a you, be at a premium with any free constituency. Were
Lin your position, although as a principle I do not think
Cabinet; ministers ought to encumber themselves with large
Constituencies, I would accept an invitation to stand for
London, Middlesex, South Lancashire, or West Yorkshire,
®Xpressly to show to the world the estimation in which my
Principles were held, and declaring at the same time that
that wag my sole motive for one Parliament only.”

To this the Prime Minister replied on the following day,
Writing at the green table, and listening to the course of
bhe debate as he wrote sm

# House of Commons,
“ Wednesday, June 24th, 1848.
“Str,—1I should not write from this place if I intended to
Weigh expressions, or to write to you in any other spirit than