GRENVILLE (1st Baron, William Wyndham, 1759-1834, Speaker 1789, Prime Minister 1806-1807, from 1790 1st Baron)

Important Letter signed to "My dear Lord" saying that he has seen "this morning by the Papers, that your name, Lord Fitzwiliam's and mine are included in the list of the Secret Committee. It is not a pleasant duty to undertake especially at a time when I have reason to fear that the view which I have already taken of the present internal situation of this country, & of the dangers by which the public peace is threatened, is one of much more alarm than is felt by many of my friends. But under these impressions such a duty cannot be declined, & I can only endeavour to discharge it with diligence and impartiality. But it would matter of infinite satisfaction to me, to have the benefit of your assistance & Lord Fitzwilliam's to correct any error into which I may fall, either from the still remaining impression of transactions long since past, or for that anxious solicitude which I have ever felt for protecting the Public Peace against every danger of disturbance, & for eradicating the Independence of Parliament against, even the slightest appearance of force or intimidation ...", he ends by saying that he has asked Lord Fitzwilliam and is asking him to attend the first meeting the following day, 4 sides 8vo., Hamilton Place, 6th February

Grenville was at this time nominal Leader of the Opposition. This was a time of political, social and economic unrest in England as a result of the French Wars and the rise of Luddism.

Item Date:  1817

Stock No:  39605      £475

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