may be a little willing to do that, I still think-but I have the joy to find that it cannot be thrown on you.  As your friend, and fearing, if I talked for you first, it would look like doubt of your behaviour, at least that you had bid me defend you at the expense of your friends, I said not a word, trusting that your innocence would break out and make its way.  I have the satisfaction to find it has already done so.  It comes from all quarters but your own, which makes it more honourable.  My Lady Suffolk told me last night, that she heard all the seamen said they wished the general had been as ready as Mr. Conway.  But this is not all:  I left a positive commission in town to have the truth of the general report sent me without the least disguise:  in consequence of which I am solemnly assured that your name is never mentioned but with honour; that all the violence, and that extreme, is against Sir John Mordaunt and Mr. Cornwallis.  I am particularly sorry for the latter, as I firmly believe him as brave as possible.

This situation of things makes me advise, what I know and find I need not advise, your saying as little as possible in your own defence, nay, as much as you can with any decency for the others.  I am neither acquainted with, nor care a straw about, Sir John Mordaunt; but as it is known that you differed with him, it will do you the greatest honour to vindicate him, instead of disculpating yourself.  My most earnest desire always is, to have your character continue as amiable and respectable as possible.  There is no doubt but the whole will come out, and therefore your justification not coming from yourself will set it in a ten times better light.  I shall go to town to-day to meet your brother; and as I know his affection for you will make him warm in clearing you, I shall endeavour to restrain that ardour, of which you know I have enough on the least glimmering of a necessity:  but I am sure you will agree with me, that, on the representation I have here made to you, it is not proper for your friends to appear solicitous about you.

The city talk very treason, and, connecting the suspension at Stade with this disappointment,(840) cry out, that the general had positive orders to do nothing, in order to obtain gentler treatment of Hanover.  They intend in a violent manner to demand redress, and are too enraged to let any part of this affair remain a mystery.

I think, by your directions, this will reach you before you leave Bevismount:  I would gladly meet you at Park-place, if i was not sure of seeing you in town a day or two afterwards at farthest; which I will certainly do, if you let me know.  Adieu!

(839) On Rochfort.

(840) “In all these complicated machines,” writes Lord Chesterfield to his son, on the 4th of this month, “there are so many wheels within wheels, that it is always difficult and sometimes impossible, to guess which of them gives direction to the whole.  Mr. Pitt is convinced that the principal wheel, or if you will, spoke in the wheel, came from Stade."-E.