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years with the financial affairs of the country He was at liberty to Keep back so long from distinctly stating to the public the fatal errors which he is satisfied exist in the statement made with regard to the amount of the national revenue compared with the charges upon it. As things now stand He is induced from all these consideration for the present at least, to adhere to the resolution of continuing his residence where He is, & refraining from taking any part in the discussion of Parliament.

I did not conceal from Him the idea you mentioned of His returning to a share of the Government, with a Person of Rank & consideration at the Head of it, perfectly agreeable to Him, & I even specified the Person you had named; but there was no room for discussion on that part of the subject, for He stated at once without reserve or affectation His feelings with regard to any proposition founded on such a basis. The uncertain state of his health makes Him still doubt how far, on any call, He could be justified in undertaking a lead in public affairs under the difficulties now existing or impending. The moment of a negoication still in suspence, He thinks in every view unfit for His taking part, but in any event, nothing could induce Him to come forward except an urgent sense of public duty, & a distinct Knowledge that His services (such as they may be) are wished & thought essential both in the Highest quarter, & by all those with whom in