[257] The same which has been inserted in the preceding letter.
[258] One of Cowper's favourite hares:
"Here lies, whom hound did ne'er pursue,
Nor swifter greyhound follow," &c.
See Poems.
[259] Lunardi's name is associated with the aëronauts of that time.
[260] Blanchard, accompanied by Dr. Jeffries, took his departure for Calais from the castle at Dover. When within five or six miles of the French coast, the balloon fell rapidly towards the sea, and, had it not been lightened and a breeze sprung up, they must have perished in the waves.
[261] Private correspondence.
[262] Mr. Pitt had introduced, at this time, his celebrated bill for effecting a reform in the national representation; the leading feature of which was to transfer the elective franchise from the smaller and decayed boroughs to the larger towns. The proposition was, however, rejected by a considerable majority.
[263] Lord Peterborough.
[264] Private correspondence.