This is the course which Peel every day recommends. He has lately taken a much bolder and decided tone both in Parliament and Cabinet, and I have little doubt means to run for the lead of the House of Commons. It appears to me very probable that his object is to break up the Government, in the expectation that it will be impossible for the Opposition to substitute anything which can stand three months, and that he may then mould and form it at his pleasure. He has himself spoken to me of the advantage which would result from our retiring, and the certainty that we must return to power within three months. Does he think that that period would be sufficient for Opposition to pass the Catholic question?
Wilberforce's disclaimer of any intention to reflect on me was ex proprio motu. It is curious that the Morning Chronicle, which not only inserted the misrepresentation, but made it the object of a leading paragraph, afterwards omitted the contradiction. This I was told, but on examination find it is not true.
Report states that we are to have large divisions both to-day and to-morrow, and that all the loose fish come into our net.
Ever affectionately yours,
C. W. W.
I have stated to Lord Londonderry and Peel, the impossibility of my supporting the Alien Bill, or interfering to persuade my friends to do it, but have assured them that I shall not dissuade them from it. I added that my wish would be to stay away, as I had done on the two last occasions of its renewal, but that I could not absolutely pledge myself to this, since I might be compelled to come down to answer comments on my absence.
Pray tell me whether you have procured any clue which may enable us to patronize a newspaper.
DR. PHILLIMORE TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
Doctors' Commons, May 17, 1822.
My dear Lord Duke,