The Works of William Cowper / His life, letters, and poems, now first completed by the introduction of Cowper's private correspondence

by William Cowper

[217] The inventor of balloons.

[218] Private correspondence.

[219] This alludes to the influence supposed to have been exercised by the king against the passing of Mr. Fox's celebrated East India Bill; and to his having commissioned Lord Temple, afterwards Lord Buckingham, to make known his sentiments on that subject. This event led to the dissolution of the famous coalition ministry.

[220] He afterwards succeeded to the title of Sir John Throckmorton.

[221] Private correspondence.

[222] Private correspondence.

[223] The verses appearing again with the original in the next letter, are omitted.

[224] John Thornton, Esq. is the person here alluded to.

[225] The "Review of Ecclesiastical History."

[226] The secret influence, here mentioned, was at this time, and often afterwards, said to be employed by the Court; and, being highly unconstitutional, was frequently adverted to, in strong language of reprehension, in the House of Commons. Mr. Powys, afterwards Lord Lilford, called it "a fourth estate in the realm;" and Mr. Burke denominated it "a power behind the throne greater than the throne itself."