218.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
October 13th, 1774.
HOLROYD WITHDRAWS HIS CANDIDATURE.
I received this day your two Epistles, the one per post, the other per coach. Your first was perfectly clear, and convinced of what you repeat in the second, that an honourable retreat is your only resource. Yet even that is difficult. What can you say? that you decline for the peace of the County? You advertised against a declared Candidate. Personal respect for Sir T[homas] W[ilson]? Do you owe him any compliment? Besides you cannot approve of him without betraying the honour of the East. It is much easier to advance than to retire, because you never can give the true reason of a retreat. Suppose you only say—To the Gentlemen, &c. "The Encouragement I have received from my numerous friends deserves and claims my warmest acknowledgements, but the powerful interest already formed in the Western part of the County and in the neighbourhood of the place of Election induces me to spare them the trouble of so long and probably so useless a journey.
I am, &c.,
J. B. Holroyd."
It is nonsense, but I see no better nonsense you have to write. I wish you had never begun it. Remember my old slow plan. It is now more likely to succeed than ever.
I am now in constant expectation of hearing from Cornwall. Adieu. Duane has thoroughly opposed my great tythes.
E. G.