Item 165 - Richard Jones to William Whewell

4 pp.

RJ is pleased to say that WW's application to the Bishop of London on RJ's account, 'was the beginning of a move which appears likely to end in good and I enjoy the prospect the more because I feel how much of it I owe to you[.] Ld. Monteagle has been actively at work and finding a stronger feeling than I expected in part of the house of Lords[,] he has drawn up a statement (oddly enough a note from him is while I am writing put into my hands) which he now tells me has got signed by Richmond - Lansdowne - Fitzwilliam - Fortescue - Stradbroke - Harrowby - St. Germains - Brougham - Portman - Hatherton - Monteagle - and he means to try to get it signed by the Bishop of London (who is willing) and the Archbishop of York[,] the Bishop of Lichfield and the Bishop of Lincoln whom he is applying to. The getting these last signatures will occasion a little delay which is not perhaps any great mischief just now when Ld. Derby of course can think of nothing but the elections. The lay peers I am told are hearty and decided and say they will take part in any parliamentary movement if it should be necessary - of course I hope it may not - I need not speak and indeed could not do it adequately of Ld. Monteagle's kindness perseverance and efficient aid - he has done all and more than all that even you could expect or wish - and now we must wait a little longer in good hope however and with a certainty that my public life is not wholly forgotten'. Lord Derby 'will have 300 the Whigs say in the new parliament. Dizzy swears many more. The opposition 356 are divided into 3 squads. I am told indeed into 4 for there is a strong anti-Johnny feeling growing up among the pure Whigs - they might carry a vote of want of confidence but are not very likely to do it for they say themselves that they could not construct a lasting government. So it is thought likely Ld. D will stay in for a time. The Peelites, and some Whigs and radicals, speculate on a new parliament very soon for they must get one they say which will enable somebody to govern the country and the street boys echo - don't you wish they may get it'.