CHAP. XI.] MR. FOX TO MR. GRATTAN. 435 P.S. The Bishop of Down spoke to a Mr. Ball to contradict what he had asserted in an advertisement, in which he attempted to state your sentiments regarding the present measure of an Irish Union. He has, I believe, done it. Mr. Ball being asked on what ground he stated your sentiments, said he had no ground whatever, but he had heard that the Duke of Leinster was for a Union, and he thought you might be of the same opinion. MR. FOX TO MR. GRATTAN. St. Ann's Hill, Feb. 4th, 1799. MY DEAR SIR;-I received, the day before yesterday, your letter, with its enclosure, for which I return you many thanks. The pamphlet is full of spirit, and argument, and proves its author to be no common man. I am heartily glad of the fate of the Union question in Ireland, as I think it was one of the most unequivocal attempts at establishing the principles, as well as the practice, of despotism, that has been made in our times. Even the French, in their cursed fraternizations, pretend at least that they act in consequence of the desire of the people of the several countries. If you have read the same account that I have of Pitt's speech on Thursday last, you will have seen that he is determined to keep the question alive as long as he is minister; and what security your anti-Unionists can have against it, it is difficult to conceive, while you have a Government who profess openly the intention of watching every opportunity of renewing the attack upon you. It should be remembered that this is a case where no number of defeats is final; whereas, one victory decides irrecoverably in favour of your enemies. A change of Lord Lieutenant does nothing in this case; and it has occurred to me, that it is possible Pitt may wish to bring on that situation, which, I admit, is the most difficult one that can arise in the system of 1782; I mean that of one kingdom wishing to remove a minister which the other may choose to retain; for it will not do to say, that the King may govern Great Britain by one minister, and Ireland by another, since the British Minister must of necessity be the adviser in the nomination of a Lord Lieutenant. It may be refinement, but I think, from his manner of treating the Regency business, he seems to see the weakest part of the system, and would not be sorry to bring it in full view at a 436 MR. DUNDAS TO LD. MORNINGTON. [CHAP. XI, time when he thinks himself (and, perhaps, is) strong at home. I see no other solution of his conduct, for, surely, he cannot think it will smooth things in Ireland to profess openly that he intends to take the first occasion of compassing what appears to be the most offensive to its Parliament and people. Mrs. Armstead desires to be remembered to you, and will, as well as myself, be very happy to see you here when you return. I am glad the paragraph you allude to was contradicted-the truth is, I never was a friend to the Union, as a speculative question, nor should like it even if it were the general wish of Ireland, much less at such a time, and in such circumstances. I am sorry for Conolly, but after he made that speech last summer, I foresaw all the rest. Yours, ever sincerely, C. J. Fox. The following letters, as they relate to this important subject, are inserted to show the feeling of the writers towards Ireland, and how eagerly the earliest advantage was taken of the insurrection to urge on the Union. Mr. Dundas, then Secretary, writes on the 29th of December, 1798, to the Earl of Mornington (Marquess Wellesley), at that time in India; and after commenting on the affairs of that empire, and the success of the British arms, he adds: 66* * *The most pressing subject now remaining, is the situation of Ireland-all the attempts of treason to invade it have been discomfited either by the surrender of the troops when landed, or by the capture of their fleet and troops by the navy, without permitting them to land. Notwithstanding all our exertions at home for our own security, and notwithstanding the appropriation of considerable force to our own distant possessions and the Mediterranean, we have been enabled to send to the assistance of Ireland, within the year, not less than 25,000 troops, consisting partly of regular forces, but chiefly of fencibles and militia regiments, who have volunteered the service. is now decided that the plan of Union is to be immediately brought forward, and the whole strength of Government applied to carry it through!!"-Yours, &c., H. DUNDAS. It CHAP. XI.] M. CORNWALLIS TO LD. MORNINGTON. 437 MARQUESS CORNWALLIS TO THE EARL OF MORN INGTON. Dublin Castle, 18th March, 1799. MY DEAR LORD;-I little thought when we parted, that my first letter to you would have been dated from this place; but my evil stars have determined that I never should enjoy quiet or comfort, and after relieving me from what I then thought a painful task (a second embarkation for India), have driven me into a situation ten times more arduous, and, in every respect, more intolerable. You have many friends that will send you Irish news; and as I can say nothing on the melancholy situation of this unhappy country that can afford you satisfaction,* I shall not enter into a detail of our calamities. I am, my dear Lord, very truly yours, MARQUESS CORNWALLIS TO EARL MORNINGTON. Phanix Park, 20th Sept. 1799. I wish I could say that things in this island wore as prosperous an aspect as with you; but there still remains too much treason and disaffection on one side, and too much violence on the other. On the whole, however, we are better than we have been; and the idea of a Union proves more popular, and gains ground, both in and out of Parliament. CORNWALLIS.+ By some Mr. Grattan was censured for not having at once taken a part against the Union when it was proposed in 1799. Neither the will nor the spirit were deficient; but the scenes he had gone through had so increased his nervous complaint, that he found it impossible to attend to politics-quiet and absence from all exciting subjects were recommended by his physicians as the only cure. He was not allowed to read of, or to speak on political affairs. Newspapers and books were alike prohibited, and change of scene, *His brother, Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington), was then in India, and has left a memento of his opinion on the subject of the Union, given too in a very decided manner; for in writing about that period to a friend of his, and an uncle of mine-the Reverend William Elliot after some remarks on the Irish Parliament, he adds,-" There must be no more DEBATING SOCIETIES in Ireland." † See Marquess Wellesley's Despatches, vol. i. 438 MRS. GRATTAN'S LETTERS [CHAP. XI. and time, was all he was encouraged to look forward to as a probable remedy. The following letters will suffice to rescue him from the charge of too great sensitiveness, or the supposition that the injuries and insults he had received from a portion of his countrymen, would have induced him to abandon at so critical a period, their dearest interests. MRS. GRATTAN TO MR. M'CAN. London, March 5, 1799. DEAR SIR,-I received your letter of yesterday. Mr. Grattan was much better; he went about the town with us, was not fatigued, eat heartily, slept well; this day he has had some returns of the meagrims, and unpleasant feelings in his head, and is not quite so well. Richard Bermingham is gone out with him in a coach, and perhaps the air may be of service; the Doctor says he has no particular complaint, and that time, with a total freedom from every distressing subject, will cure him. God grant it, though it is an unpleasant life to him. We never talk on the subject of politics, we read by turns, and he lies on the sofa, we are both sensible of your kindness and sincerity, which is a rare virtue in these times; I am sure he may say so. I know not what to say to your desire of his returning to Ireland; in his present situation I should think it bad for him; when he gets better, I will let him know your idea, and perhaps he will agree to it. Now, we must only think of removing his complaint, be it what it may. Doctor Turton assures me there is no danger, and he is my oracle; he orders no medicine-nothing but air and amusement. Mr. Grattan sends his affectionate love. I am, most truly, yours, H. GRATTAN. SAME SO SAME. London, Wednesday, April 10, 1799. DEAR SIR, I have still the good news to continue of Mr. Grattan's being better. Doctor Turton has added more bark to his former prescription, and orders him to continue the same course of exercise, &c. &c. &c. He is not yet able to amuse himself with reading or writing; but we supply the power he wants, and entertain him constantly. CHAP. XI.] TO MR. M'CAN. 439 Mr. Grattan is out riding with Mr. Bermingham, or would send his particular regards.-All, most truly, your sincere friends, HENRIETTA GRATTAN. SAME TO SAME. London, 25, Blandford-street, Manchester-square, May 11, 1799. DEAR MR. M'CAN, -I would have written to you sooner, had anything particular occurred. Mr. Grattan begs of you to go to Tinnehinch, and enquire from Savage whether M'Cue takes care of the place. This is the first conversation we have had on the subject of Tinnehinch, for I did not read to him or tell him of what Mrs. Bermingham mentioned about the soldiers cutting down the trees. It would have agitated him, and these two last days he has had a return of his disorder. I have had Doctor Turton, and intended calling in another physician, had he continued with the same symptoms. This day the uneasy feel in his head returned,-a dread of falling, and a pain in his head, when the horse trotted,an inability to read, which he has not done for this fortnight past, until last Wednesday. This has not raised my spirits, for I hoped all was over, and I now find all is to begin again; but God's will be done! You may judge we shall not think of Ireland, when I dare not even talk of the depredations committed there. The weather must affect him; 'tis cold as March, and most unpleasant,-no sign of spring. I hope it agrees with all your family, and that you are in perfect health, which is the sincere wish of both Mr. Grattan, and your true friend, HENRIETTA GRATTAN. SAME TO SAME. May 15th, 1799. DEAR SIR;-I received your letter on Tuesday last-I sent it to Mr. Burrowes this morning-on Saturday Mr. Bermingham shall go for it and the money. I am grieved at the account of Tinnehinch, and wish you could have gone in the interval, from the 25th of March to the 8th of May, which time you say you were there. I hear great depredations have been committed, and the trees cut down by the soldiers.* I know not who to put into it, or what de * I never heard that Government punished their men, or sent them to Mr. Grattan to atone for their depredations, as Dwyer the |