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—I have a letter from Godley to the same effect, but more desponding about, himself, and showing, I fancy, a little more of the impression that I proposed to use him for the purposes of the book. Yet my letter to him explained, I think, that first shot at the question this year is worth having; and that in proposing to give it to his political friends rather than keep it for the book, I was consulting the good of the cause. Still there really is (unless credit be given to me for unusual public spirit) such an appearance of having the interests of the book in view that I am not surprised.

Godley offers to act as a medium of communication with Gladstone; but that is out of the question. Unless he could see that what I proposed was good for Gladstone and friends, rather than for me, I am glad that he should do nothing.

Lincoln? But Gladstone is the only man in the Commons who could, on such short notice, broach the subject well. Gladstone through Lincoln? Not time enough.

The best plan, I think, will be to proceed as before settled, down to getting the stitched copies into your hands, and then to dispose of them as may then seem best to us. Meanwhile, if you can properly do so, I think it would be well to ask Lincoln when he will be in town, and to try and arrange for seeing him on the Monday or Tuesday before the Address Debate.

As to Walter, perhaps, under the circumstances, nothing better could be done than letting Parker send a stitched copy to the rector of Walter's parish, with the best letter that could be devised for getting Walter to read the book. This is trusting to the book itself, which, after all, must be the principal operator at present if any good is to be done by any means.

Second Thoughts.—On reading Godley again and the Spectator, I fancy that the late negotiations for fusion may have something to do with his evident reluctance to act. If so, the page 43Peelites will be tame enough this session, and we may spare our trouble: but it may be only fancy.

If you could manage to pass next Sunday with me, it would be a grand accommodation.

Walter James is a relative and friend of ex-Governor Fitz-Roy and not likely to have weight with Gladstone. Lincoln is the most frank and hearty of the Peelites, if you could but insure him in time.

Godley says that Graham was offered the Colonial office, and rejoices at his having refused it.