GEO. MOFFATT

    Mr. John Boileau to Lady Melgund

    LONDON, April 12, 1854

I wish I could write you a long letter giving an account of last night in the House of Commons....  I would not have missed last night for the world.  It was a melancholy instance of what a public servant in these days may have to go through, at the same time such a noble example of patriotism and self-sacrifice as I believe there is not another man in England capable of giving—­and though I cannot yet resign my feeling that it would have been better in the end both for Lord John and the Liberal party had he resigned, at present I have nothing to do but to admire, love, and respect more than ever the man who could, for the sake of his country and what he believes in his judgment to be the best for her, go through as painful a struggle as he has....  The scene in the House itself I shall never forget—­the sudden pause when he began to speak of himself and his position—­the sobs, and finally the burst of tears, and the almost ineffectual attempt to finish the remaining sentences, and at last obliged to give it up and sit down exhausted with the protracted struggle and the strain of nerve.  He was loudly cheered from both sides of the House.

    Lord John Russell to Mr. John Abel Smith [42]

    April 12, 1854

DEAR SMITH,—­As I find some rumours have been mentioned to Lady John, false in themselves and injurious to me, I beg to assure you that it has been the greatest comfort to me to find that I received from her the best encouragement and support in the course which I ultimately adopted.  She could not fail to perceive and to sympathize in the deep distress which the prospect of abandoning the Reform Bill caused me, and it was my chief consolation during a trying period to find at home regard for my fame and reputation as a sincere and earnest reformer.  That regard has now been shown by the House of Commons generally, but there is no man in that House on whose friendship I more confidently rely, and with good reason, than yourself.

    Yours ever truly,

    J. RUSSELL

[42] Lord John’s election agent.

    Lord Spencer to Lady John Russell

    LEAMINGTON, April 14, 1854

DEAR LADY JOHN,—­I cannot resist giving you the trouble to read a few lines from me on Lord John’s speech the other night.  Remembering the conversation we had on the subject of the proposed Reform Bill, when I ventured, perhaps too boldly and too roundly, to let out my unworthy opinion in a contrary sense, I think I ought to tell you that I had arrived some time ago at the same conclusion which Lord John announced to the House of Commons the other night, and I really believe if I had not, his reasons would have made me.  I never read a more convincing speech, and I never read so affecting a one.  No man living, I believe, could have made that speech but your husband, and it gives me great pleasure to offer you my heartfelt congratulations upon it....  Pray forgive me, dear Lady John, for intruding thus on your time, and believe me,

    Very faithfully yours,