always was, perhaps pretty near that of the public.

Believe me, my dear Lord, etc., etc.

P.S.--My best respects to Lady H., whose smiles will be very
consolatory, even at this distance.




[Footnote 1: James Perry (1756-1821) purchased, in 1789, the 'Morning
Chronicle', originally established by Woodfall in 1769. In Perry's hands
the paper became the leading organ of the Whigs. He was the first editor
to introduce a succession of parliamentary reporters. He gathered round
him a remarkable staff of contributors, including Ricardo, Sir James
Mackintosh, Porson (who married his sister), Charles Lamb, Sheridan,
Coleridge, Hazlitt, Lord Campbell, Moore, Campbell, Byron, and Burns.
The 'Morning Chronicle' (October 12, 1812) says:

"Mr. Elliston then came forward and delivered the following 'Prize'
Address. We cannot boast of the eloquence of the delivery. It was
neither gracefully nor correctly recited. The merits of the production
itself we submit to the criticism of our readers. We cannot suppose
that it was selected as the most poetical composition of all the
scores that were submitted to the Committee. But, perhaps by its
tenor, by its allusions to the fire, to Garrick, to Siddons, and to
Sheridan, it was thought most applicable to the occasion,
notwithstanding its being in parts unmusical, and in general tame."

Again (October 14), in a notice of 'Rejected Addresses', the 'Morning