—Soon after reading your letter, I received a much fuller account of the state of Mr. Gladstone's opinions, but agreeing with yours. Both reports I of course deem entirely confidential.

At your leisure I should be glad to learn what you think of the Book, and especially what you object to in it. At my age, and with my hardening experience, I don't generally much care to know what people think about my opinions; but I should set store by an account of the impression made page 48on you, because, with reference to this subject, I value your judgment above that of all other people. This is not compliment, nor was the dedication.