[LETTERS FROM FRIENDS]
The letters which follow are from friends of Wilberforce between the years 1786-1832: they touch on a variety of subjects. George Rose[24] writes in 1790 in the full flush of excitement on the news of "peace certain and unequivocal on the very terms prescribed from hence."
LETTERS FROM FRIENDS
Right Hon. George Rose to Mr. Wilberforce.
"Old Palace Yard,
"November 4, 1790.
"My dear Wilberforce,—I was shocked this morning in putting my papers in order on my table to find a letter I wrote to you before I went into the country; you must have thought me shamefully inattentive to you, which I trust I never shall be while I retain my senses, for anxious as I am to avoid such an imputation in general I do assure you I am particularly so to stand clear of that in your opinion. I will now, however, make you ample amends for the seeming neglect by telling you that the expected messenger is arrived and brings us an account of peace certain and unequivocal, on the very terms (I may say to you) prescribed from hence; they secure to us great and essential points important to the interests of the country, and must prevent future occasions of quarrel with Spain; war with all its certain and possible consequences are (sic) avoided. So much for public benefits; what it must produce to the individual[25] to whom the merit is justly and fairly to be ascribed it is impossible at once to foresee—I mean with respect to character of everything that can be valuable to a man in his situation.
"I have actually been drunk ever since ten o'clock this morning, and have not yet quite the use of my reason, but I am
"Yours most faithfully and cordially,
"George Rose."