offended with a line of conduct which he knew was prescribed by a sense of duty. And, as the honor of having been esteemed by such a man as Mr. Perceval, is sufficient to compensate for the invectives of ten thousand adversaries, I may be allowed to quote the concluding sentence of a letter, which he wrote to me on the 6th of last February. Having acknowledged the receipt of my "Inquiry," and having lamented, that he had not then had time to read it, he concluded with the following sentence: "I assure you, I am too fully sensible of the motives which influence you, not to be able to differ from you on that point, without suffering such difference to have the slightest effect, in diminishing the regard and respect, with which I am, Dear Sir, Your's, most truly, SP. PERCEVAL." As this sentence relates entirely to myself, there is no breach of confidence in the publication of it; which would otherwise indeed be removed by the circumstance, that Mr. Perceval has since authorised me to show it, and, in conformity with his own generous feelings, has himself sent a copy of the whole letter to one of my most violent adversaries. I have reason therefore deeply to lament, as well the loss of private friendship, as of public worth. And, as testimony to departed goodness can result only from disinterested motives, I need not apologise for praises bestowed on a Minister, who is removed from the scene, where flattery may expect reward. |