which was considered as the token and the precursor of a decided system of opposition to the catholic claims. The upright and impartial administration of the lord-lieutenant was allowed on all bands. His recall was therefore considered as the death-blow to the liberal cause. His intercourse with Ireland had procured for his lordship a wellearned popularity, which appeared utterly at variance with the narrow and selfish views of the Orange faction. He was too much identified with the conquered and stranger nation: he belonged too little to the faction that held that nation in abhorrence, and was abhorred by it. "Don't make yourself so much beloved by us all :" exclaimed a witty Irishwoman to lord Anglesea, "do something unpopular, that you may be left here a little longer." The Irish lady, under cover of a witticism, implied a melancholy truth.

The communication from the duke of Wellington to Dr. Curtis, which we have just noticed, and in which that nobleman expresses his desire to see the catholic question "settled," gave rise, as we may well suppose, to such expectations among the Irish, as were not very easily to be suppressed. Such high hopes were, indeed, excited by this letter, as to induce Dr. Curtis to inclose a copy to lord Anglesea, which reached his lordship's hands soon after the order for his return. The following is his lordship's letter addressed to the reverend gentleman, aunouncing its recep tion.

Phoenix Park, December 23, 1828.

Most reverend sir,-I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd, covering that which you received from the duke of Wellington, of the 11th instant, together with a copy of your answer to it. I thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me. Your letter gives me information upon a subject of the highest interest, I did not know the precise sentiments of the duke of Wellington upon the present state of the catholic question. Knowing it, I shall venture to offer my opinion upon the course that it behoves the catholics to pursue. Perfectly convinced that the final and cordial settlement of this great question can alone give peace, harmony, and prosperity

to all classes of his majesty's subjects in this kingdom, I must acknowledge my disappointment on learning that there is no prospect of its being effected during the ensuing session of parliament. I, however, derive some consolation from observing that his grace is not wholly adverse to the measure: for if he can be induced to promote it, he, of all men, will have the greatest facility in carrying it into effect. If I am correct in this opinion, it is obviously most important that the duke of Wellington should be propitiated; that no obstacle that can by possibility be avoided should be thrown in his way; that all personal and offensive insinuations should be suppressed; and that ample allowance should be made for the difficulties of his situation. Difficult it certainly is, for he has to overcome the very strong prejudices and the interested motives of many persons of the highest influence, as well as to allay the real alarms of many of the more ignorant protestants. I differ from the opinion of the duke, that an attempt should be made to “bury in oblivion" the question for a short First, because the thing is utterly impossible; and next, because, if the thing were possible, I fear that advantage might be taken of the pause, by representing it as a panic achieved by the late violent re-action, and by proclaiming that if the government at once and peremptorily decided against concession, the catholics would cease to agitate, and then all the miseries of the last years of Ireland will be to be re-acted. What I do recommend is, that the measure should not be for a moment lost sight of that anxiety should continue to be manifested-that all constitutional (in contradistinction to merely legal) means should be resorted to, to forward the cause: but that at the same time the most patient forbearance, the most submissive obedience to the laws, should be inculcated; that no personal and offensive language should be held towards those who oppose the claims. Personality offers no advantage, it effects no good; on the contrary, it offends and confirms pre-disposed aversion. Let the catholic trust to the justice of his cause-to the growing liberality of mankind. Unfortunately, he has lost some friends, and fortified his enemies, within the last six months, by unmeasured and unnecessary violence. He will soonest recover from the present stagnation of his fortunes by shewing more temper, and by trusting to the legislature for redress. Brute force, he should be assured, can effect nothing. It is the legislature that must decide this great question; and my great anxiety is, that it should be met by the parliament under the most favourable circumstances, and that the opposers of catholic emancipation shall be disarmed by the patient forbearance, as well as by the unwearied perseverance of its advocates. My warm anxiety

GEO, IV.] MARQUIS OF ANGLESEA'S DEPARTURE. 265

to promote the general interests of this country, is the motive that has induced me to give an opinion and to offer my advice. I have the honour, &c.

(Signed)

" ANGLESEA."

Shortly after the above correspondence had taken place, lord Anglesea left Dublin on his return to England. His place was filled by the duke of Northumberland, whose unblemished character and liberal principles rendered him, among all ranks of people in Ireland, a highly acceptable successor to the marquis, as the representative of royalty. Such, however, had been the conduct of the ex-viceroy, that he departed from Dublin amidst the regrets and kindest recollections of the Irish people. It was on the morning of the 19th of January, that his lordship took his public leave of the inhabitants of Dublin, when, at an early hour, the streets were crowded with persons anxious to manifest their respect for a nobleman who had, under very peculiar and embarrassing circumstances, gained the affections of the people, and who was now departing from them (as they imagined) because the grounds of that popularity were deemed inconsistent with the policy upon which it was then thought the duke of Wellington intended to act.

In the morning of the day in question, his lordship held an undress levee, which was excessively crowded. The citizens of Dublin first presented themselves at the castle at ten o'clock with the address, which was prepared by persons sof all ranks and religious persuasions, to testify their respect for the lord-lieutenant, and their deep regret at his depar ture. In the crowd which thronged the avenues of the castle, were a number of military officers in full uniform, who appeared extremely anxious to press on with the civic cortege, to pay their respects to so distinguished and gallant a member of their profession. The deputation consisted of a numerous body of illustrious noblemen, and gentlemen of high respectability. On their entering the drawing room, his

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