_May 14th._--Had an extraordinary letter from VULLIAMY this morning.
He is staying at Billsbury--but the letter explains itself. Here it
is:--

MY DEAR PATTLE, (_Confidential._)

I am asked to let you know that a Committee Meeting has been
called for Friday 16th, and it is hoped that, at all costs,
you will make it convenient to attend. You know how great
an interest I have always taken in your career. I have
always told you that any experience I may have gained in
electioneering matters (and I have been at it for about twenty
years now) is entirely at your service. You will therefore
forgive me if I speak quite frankly to you on some questions
which intimately concern your Candidature. I don't meet you as
often as I should wish, and I am therefore impelled to write
to you on matters which require your serious consideration,
and on which you ought to be prepared to make a definite
statement on Friday next. I have used the opportunity of my
stay here to see how the land lay with regard to you. Hitherto
you have done very well, but mere public meetings will not
win an election, and you must make up your mind ere very long
to come and stay here, so as to canvass each ward, under the
guidance of the proper "officers."

Then there is the question of money! The Registration _must_
he paid for by the Candidate. It will be heavy this year. You
can talk it over with the Committee, but certainly £100 to
£150 will be absolutely necessary. Whatever the sum is, you