Lord Clanricarde’s reply.
Brighton, August 23rd, 1849.
My dear Sir,—I have read your letter reverting to that which you addressed to me on the 3rd of last January with much regret.
I am sorry you consider our existing official arrangements inconsistent with your comfort and your interest. I see no possibility of their being changed at present.
I could not alter them myself, and I could not send forward to the Treasury your letter of the 3rd of January without previously communicating with Colonel Maberly.
I have no reason to believe the Treasury would take at this moment any steps to put you in the position you desire to hold. And my own opinion is that, constituted as the office now is, we can proceed gradually and steadily to carry into effect many improvements which you have suggested or which may hereafter occur to you. You enumerate in your letter of January 3rd several of importance which we have achieved without even temporary inconvenience or failure,—others have been effected since that date, and I have little fear of not being able to have properly executed almost any alteration of the result of which we might be well assured.
I see no reason why you should not complete a scale of salaries for country offices and messengers as soon as the returns you have called for may be perfected, or why such a scale should not be at once adopted, and gradually, and not slowly, enforced. And in like manner, the metropolitan offices might afterwards be dealt with.
With respect to your personal feelings and interests I can of course say nothing. I am only gratified that you should feel satisfied with the support which it has been my duty, and I assure you a sincere pleasure, to me to afford you.
I remain, &c., &c.,
Clanricarde.
R. Hill, Esq.,
&c., &c., &c.