“To the Right Honourable Sir J. Graham.”
It might have been apprehended that the correspondence would have been closed by this reply; and that Sir Jahleel Brenton might have been left to experience in retirement and poverty the consequences of his inveterate attachment to the active duties of his service.
It is satisfactory to know that this was not the result; that William IV. then king, remembered the hopes which he had held out as Duke of Clarence, and Lord High Admiral; and that the first Lord had the pleasure of bestowing the situation which he had been so glad to offer. The next post brought the following letter from the Admiralty.
“Admiralty, July 29th, 1831.
“Sir,
“I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter in reply to mine of the 24th, and I have been induced by the highly honourable feelings which you have expressed upon declining the acceptance of the situation of Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich Hospital, to propose to the King, that His Majesty should make some alterations as to the conditions upon which the appointment was offered to you; being in hopes that the country may still have the benefit of the services of so distinguished an officer, should an occasion offer for your having a command afloat.
“His Majesty has been pleased to signify to me his royal pleasure that the appointment should be offered to you, with the understanding, that when your turn for a flag promotion comes for your being raised to the rank of Vice-Admiral, you may exercise a choice, and either take the step resigning the appointment, or hold the appointment forfeiting the promotion.
“If this relaxation in the conditions I before mentioned to you be satisfactory, I shall be glad to hear that you consider the appointment as one you would like to fill, and I shall be glad to have a reply from you at your earliest convenience.
“I have, &c.
“J. B. GRAHAM.”