TO REV. J. P. ESTLIN.*

DEAR SIR, Clapton, Feb. 18, 1792. By the advice of our friends in the House of Commons, the Anti-trinitarians in London have agreed to present the inclosed petition to Parliament this session, and we hope to have the concurrence of the friends of free inquiry (among whom may be even Trinitarians) in some of the principal towns in the country. I depend upon your activity to get it signed by as many as you conveniently can in Bristol and its neighbourhood, so as to be returned in a fortnight. You will direct that the names be written horizontally, that no vacant spaces be left when the different sheets are pasted together here.

Bristol.

+ For the repeal of the persecuting statute, (9 and 10 William III.,) entitled, "An Act for the more effectual Suppression of Blasphemy and Profaneness," a relief, (though unhappily limited to Christians,) which, in 1813, my friend, Mr. William Smith, M. P. for Norwich, had the honour of effecting. See W. X. 488, 495 note.

This repeal was proposed by Mr. Fox, May 11, 1792, and refused by a majority of 79. (N. A. Reg. XIII. 77.) I then heard, and Dr. Priestley heard, the most just and liberal sentiments, conveyed in the most attractive form by the honourable mover. "Mr. Burke's ingenuity," as Mr. M'Cormick observes, "whatever the subject of debate might be, whether religious or political, could always find means of introducing his favourite topic, the French revolution." On this occasion he mourned, with rancorous eloquence, the fall of "the King's castle at Paris," and performed a part, only second to his exhibition of the famous dagger-scene; especially maligning the Unitarians, because "they talked of virtue, and of human bliss," as likely to be advanced, eventually, by a popular rising against the Bourbon despotism. Nor did the political manager suffer this celebrated performer to quit the stage unrewarded.

"It is true, Mr. Burke had not then actually begun to receive any of his pensions of £3,700 a year, but his first pension of £1200 a year for his own life, and that of his wife, though dated Sept. 24, 1795, was made to commence Jan. 5, 1793; and the other two pensions of £2500 a year for three lives, were to commence July 24, 1793, though the patents, for very obvious reasons, are dated October, 1795. The two last pensions he sold for £2700. Yet this is the incorruptible patriot," adds Mr. M'Cormick, "who declared his devotion to the public service, not expecting or admitting any reward whatsoever." Mem. of Burke, (1798,) pp. 348, 361. It excites no surprise that Mr. Burke's family would have silenced by an injunction this too faithful biographer. See his advertisement.

We do not expect immediate success, but hope that good will arise from the discussion, and that the way may be prepared for succeeding in a future period.*

To MR. RUSSELL.†

DEAR SIR, Clapton, April 25, 1792. I AM very happy to hear that Mr. Edwards discovers so proper a disposition, and hope he will now go on to your satisfaction. I had rather that you should revise what he writes, than Mr. Scholefield: but the only thing of real importance is the discussion of the facts; and by all means give Mr. Edwards the particulars for this purpose. They will do for mine afterwards. I will take care to get the article from your paper into the Morning Chronicle and Star, if I can.

Some measures should be taken about the application to Parliament; but as it is now thought that the House will not break up soon, there may be time enough. I do not see why some further indemnifications should not be applied for, especially by those who have received nothing, as Mr. Coates, and others, who have had much too little; but you should by all means come yourself and see Mr. Pitt, in order to get back the affidavits, and be at some absolute certainty about our expectations from the court. If we delay and apply to opposition too late, we shall be despised by all parties.

Yesterday I saw Mr. John Lawrence, and am glad to find that he can sufficiently exculpate you with respect to Dudley, little as that affair amounts to; but it shews the poor shifts the party is driven to. Mr. Madan being made a bishop, (if the report be true,) sufficiently shews the disposition of the court, and should be considered as a signal of hostility by all Dissenters. Time may come, and not be far distant, when the court may want our assistance.§

* Orig. MS.

+ Birmingham,

"May 3, 1792. The Rev. Dr. Spencer Madan kissed the king's hand at the levee, on being appointed Bishop of Bristol." Lond. Chron. LXXI. 421. He had been rector of St. Philip since "April 5, 1787." Hist. of Birminghum, p. 360.

§ Orig. MS.

To THE SAME.

Clapton, June 12, 1792.

DEAR SIR, I SEE that the country is against us, and that no justice is to be had for us in it; and since our friends will not rouse themselves from their present despondency, I approve your resolution of retiring from the scene for a time, though the idea of your final emigration is more than I can well bear, so intimately and happily connected as we have been. I wish it could suit me to accompany you, but to that there are who will never consent. I have a noble letter from the Academy of Sciences at Paris, which Mr. Galton can shew you. I shall prepare a proper answer for publication. The address from my young people pleases me much. I will send my answer to-morrow. To leave such a congregation and such friends is painful indeed; but the will of God be done. I have sent Mr. Galton my Address to the Public, to be published some time hence, but I shall alter and add to it. I have desired him to shew it to you, if there be time. If you see it, give me your general opinion.

On the other side, I have sent a letter for Pearson's paper, if you approve of it.*

To MR. J. H. STONE.†

DEAR SIR, Clapton, June 17, 1792. YOUR letters are peculiarly acceptable in the present state of affairs, and I hope you will not fail to continue them as you find leisure. Your brother, however, is so good as to communicate what you write on public affairs, and provided I know your sentiments, I do not care through what channel they come.

I have written to M. Français on the subject of my citizenship and nomination to the Conventional Assembly, including a letter to the National Assembly; and lest they should be intercepted here, I will, if I can, avail myself of the packet going to you from your brother, hoping that you would lose no time in

* Orig. MS,

+ Who died at Paris a few years since. See W. XXV. 131.

delivering it. If this fail, I must venture it by the post; and I have nothing to say that I care who sees.*

I lament with you the horrid violences committed in France, especially on my old friend and correspondent the Duke de la Rochefoucauld.† I cannot believe he was concerned in any plot in favour of the king; but let me know what is said, and what you think on the subject. I hear those violences are now at an end. It fact, nothing so outrageous can continue long.

I rejoice that on the whole affairs wear so good an aspect, and that the foreign enemy does not appear to be formidable. Both M. Français and my son agree with you in this. I hope you received a letter I wrote to you some time ago, and which I committed to the care of your brother. I shall now consider the politics of France more particularly, and communicate my sentiments occasionally through M. Français to the Conventional Assembly; and in order to form a better judgment, shall be happy to be instructed by you with respect to the state of facts and opinions in France. Do you think that the French could bear to be excluded from being spectators of the Assembly? If they could keep their debates to themselves, and publish only the results of them, as was done by the American Congress, it would add greatly to their dignity.‡ Any hint on this or any other subject would much oblige, dear Sir, yours sincerely.§

See ibid. p. 118.

↑ Then "at the head of the directory of the department" of Paris, "with the former Bishop of Autun, M. Talleyrand," now (1832) ambassador to the court of London from Louis Philippe.

In August, 1792, M. Rochefoucauld "retired" from Paris" to his own estate. He was scarcely arrived before he was assassinated, his own tenants either aiding in the murder, or, at least, looking on with criminal stupefaction." N. A. Reg. XIII. 155, 176, 177. See supra, p. 87, note §; W. XXV. 124.

"This kind of prevision of Dr. Priestley was justified in the most remarkable manner by subsequent events. Nothing contributed more to the horrors of Jacobinism, the murder of the king, and of the Gironde, than the publicity of the sittings of the Convention. Each moderate motion was defeated by the Jacobin members, powerfully supported by the yells and imprecations of the lowest rabble, with whom the leaders took care to fill the public tribune." Charles Coquerel, Paris.

§ Communicated by M. Coquerel, from the Orig. MS. in his possession.

To MR. RUSSELL.*

DEAR SIR, Clapton, June 22, 1792. My first account of the business at Parist was from the public papers. I had no expectation of any such thing; but if it had been my own wish and procurement, what harm was there in it? This country is not likely to be a desirable situation for any child of mine, and therefore it is natural for me to look for a settlement for them elsewhere. On the other hand, it is natural for the people of Birmingham to be offended at whatever throws a reflection upon them, and they must expect much more exasperation of the same kind.

I am sorry for the mistake between you and Mr. Belsham, who says he had no idea of your expecting an account of the debate from him, as he never undertook to do it. It is now too late.

I shall be very glad to see Mr. Hutton's account of the riots. I am sure he will do it well, and in good temper.§ I do not

• Birmingham.

The presentation of his son William to the National Assembly as a French citizen, by M. Français, of Nantes, June 8, 1792. See W. XXI. 87,594.

↑ "May 21, on a motion of Mr. Whitbread's to inquire into the conduct of the magistrates, and the prosecution of the offenders concerned in the Birmingham riots.

"He had in his hand thirty-six affidavits, all agreeing in substance, and all charging the magistrates with gross neglect of duty. Among other instances, they mentioned that two justices, Rev. Dr. Spencer, and Mr. Carles, walked arm-in-arm through the crowd, and both joined in the huzzas of the mob, and in the cry of Church and King.

"Justice Carles also said to a company of the rioters, Do not do any other mischief than pulling down the meetings, and I will stand your friend, as far as lies in my power. My lads, be true to your cause. Do not leave them Presbyterian dogs a place standing.'

66

"Mr. Brooke, the deputy under-sheriff for the county of Warwick," besides other indications of criminal concert, was seen with the mob huzzaing, and exclaiming, Church and King.

"The debate was, however, entirely unproductive, Mr. Whitbread's motion being negatived by a large majority." N. A. Reg. XIII. 75, 76. See W. XIX. 435.

§ See infra, "July 7."