if you do not strenuously oppose it, and if somebody does not watch
over the springs from whence these supplies are to flow.

As to Hare,(92) you will do me the justice to own that I have not
said a word to impeach his friendship to you. But I must set him
aside as a man capable of transacting this business. It is not de
son ressort, and I know that he has difficulties to combat with, if
he undertakes it, which are insuperable. Now, when I talk of men of
business, I will explain myself. I mean three for example: Mr.
Wallis, if ever you consult him, Mr. Gregg, and Lavie. I would also
seriously apply to my Lord Gower for his advice, and make him a
confidant in what relates to this business. He has very powerful
motives for interesting himself in it. All others I would silence at
once by saying that you had fixed upon particular persons to talk
with upon this subject, and that you would not listen an instant to
any other. After one or two attempts to discuss the point they would
give it up, and, knowing in what channel it was, would be more
afraid to trifle with you about it. Charles never opens his lips to
me upon the subject, and when Hare was last at my house he did not
say a single word relative to it. The bond was not so much as
mentioned. To speak the truth, I had rather that they would not, for
I should not be able to keep my temper if they did.

I have talked this matter over with persons of established
reputations in the world for good sense, knowledge, and experience,
and with as nice feelings in points of honour and friendship as
anybody ever had. It is their opinion which makes me so confident of
my own, exclusive of the arguments themselves, qui sautent aux yeux.

Now, as to the expedients. The capital sum,(93) let us call it,