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Downing Street. - Encloses Lord Melville's reply [no longer present]; no hope of Vansittart as Chancellor of the Exchequer, will offer position to Robert Pemberton Milnes who could be of great service.

Also contains notes on the life of Lady Crewe copied from the autobiography of Hester Piozzi, including origin of the bluestocking assemblies.

Copy in unidentified hand; paper watermarked 1840.

Admiralty. - On Spencer Perceval's dilemma over appointment to Chancellor of the Exchequer: Palmerston's own future prospects of office; 'Milnes would probably not take it unless his ambition got the better of his partiality for Canning & his aversion to Perceval, and, though a man of very brilliant talents, I should much doubt his steadiness'.

Copy in unidentified hand.

Has declined offer of Chancellorship of the Exchequer; proposed himself as Secretary at War but Perceval has written to invite Robert Pemberton Milnes to join government and cannot act until Milnes' preferred office is known. Understands importance of securing Milnes as a 'doubtful friend, who might be of essential service to our cause'; would willingly take a seat at the Treasury if denied War Office.

Copy in unidentified hand.

Admiralty. - Dined with Robert Pemberton Milnes and Lowther at Perceval's; Milnes' support steadier than it previously appeared - he may acquire enough confidence to accept office before the end of the season.

Trinity Lodge, Cambridge - Informs him that the portrait of [Spencer] Perceval has arrived, and thanks him for the valuable gift.

Surrender of the Danish fleet at Copenhagen

London. - Regrets recent silence. Political revolution will not improve Fitzgerald's prospects; support for present administration arises merely from unpopularity of its opponents; their impudent treatment of the King. Attended the House for Lyttelton's Motion: a poor speech; Ward's was better, and [Robert Pemberton] Milnes' an enthusiastically received triumph of 'fluency neatness elegance & force, his studious reputation at Cambridge gave no hint of his powers; regrets to hear that Milnes has wagered he will be Chancellor of the Exchequer in two years. James Macdonald spoke badly. Fitzgerald's chosen pursuit of farming is more honourable than politics. Grenville anticipates an opposition of 200 at forthcoming election. Further political gossip. Omits signature in case letter miscarries. Postscript: Perceval is hastening the dissolution to divert an opposition Motion which would lead to the impeachment of the Duke of York, and the Committee of Finance report which implicates Steele and 'old Rose' as heavy defaulters.

Ealing. - Houghton missed a good meeting of the Literary. Will seek details of Robert Pemberton Milnes from his son, whose book [The Life of the Hon. Spencer Perceval] has cast new light on Spencer Perceval. Hopes bouleversement among the Liberals will result in unsensational politics.

Ealing. - The Perceval papers are in disarray following collapse of a wall at Mr Perceval's house in Lowndes St; Walpole's son thinks there is nothing new relating to Robert Pemberton Milnes but will check, he believes Milnes' discussion of the Chancellorship with Perceval was verbal.

Hampstead. Thanks him for his attention to the welfare of his son during the rebellion, has impressed on him the difficulty of recovering his character

Downing Street, London. Spencer Perceval jun has sent him exercises in which he seems to have done well, wishes to have his sons for the weekend

Downing Street. - Invites Milnes to join the new Administration: hopes he will come to Town to discuss details before answering.

Downing Street. - Supports Milnes' application for an increase in Pontefract schoomaster's allowance, but hesitates to refer request to the Prince Regent at present as Duchy property represents the King's private estate rather than public revenue; will make recommendation in the event of the King's recovery, or at a later date if the Regency is extended.