“Underneath I send you a copy of Mr. Marryat’s opinion, from which it appears, upon the whole, that it would be better to drop the idea of any action or indictment.
“I have read your case as drawn by yourself, and think it exceedingly well put together; so much so, that it will be laid entire before the counsel this evening, to draw the bill in equity. I have added but a line or two on one occasion, where I thought it was required, and I will hasten the gentleman who has the framing the bill every moment I possibly can. Mr. Marryat had some personal knowledge of Mr. Taylor, but spoke very loudly in his disfavour; however, he desired it might not be repeated to Taylor. I go to Oxford to-morrow morning early, and do not return till Saturday evening, but in the meantime your papers will be before counsel.
“I am of opinion that the terms used in the letter to Mr. Stuart* are not so distinctly libellous in point of law (though ‘very analogous’ to a libel) as to sustain either
* The present eminent Chancery barrister, ex-member for Newark, and I rejoice to add member for Bury St. Edmunds, which could not have a more able or honourable representative, and one of my oldest and dearest friends, to whom Taylor had addressed one of his abusive epistles. |
| REFLECTIONS: INGRATITUDE. | 107 |
