File 168 - Letter from [John Cust?] to William Fitzgerald

5 sheets.

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.