With your occupations and anxieties, I hold you entirely acquitted for not writing to me, and pray let this be understood between us. I take so much interest in Lord Grey’s recovery, that I am rejoiced to see your handwriting, but always afraid that your own health will suffer by gratifying the affectionate curiosity of your friends.
The Whigs and Democrats are full of a notion that O’Connell is not to be punished; that the Government, yielding, to the opinion that his trial has been unfair, are not to bring him up for judgment. I am not of this opinion. I think, unless their own law-officers were to tell them that this trial had been unfair, the Government are bound to deal with O’Connell as they would with any one else; and I believe they will do so. I have heard some of our English judges say his sentence ought to be for two years. As for the danger of shutting him up, if you cannot do that, then there is a civil war; and the sooner it is fought out, the better.
God bless you, dear Lady Grey! Kindest regards to my Lord.
