I had some conversation, before I left town, with the D. of M. He is of opinion, that, if you adhere to your resolution of seceding, you ought not to appear on the first day of the meeting.  He thinks it can have no effect, except to break the continuity of your conduct, and thereby to weaken and fritter away the impression of it.  It certainly will seem odd to give solemn reasons for a discontinuance of your attendance in Parliament, after having two or three times returned to it, and immediately after a vigorous act of opposition.  As to trials of the temper of the House, there have been of that sort so many already that I see no reason for making another that would not hold equally good for another after that,—­particularly as nothing has happened in the least calculated to alter the disposition of the House.  If the secession were to be general, such an attendance, followed by such an act, would have force; but being in its nature incomplete and broken, to break it further by retreats and returns to the chase must entirely destroy its effect.  I confess I am quite of the D. of M.’s opinion in this point.

I send your Lordship a corrected copy of the paper:  your Lordship will be so good to communicate it, if you should approve of the alterations, to Lord J.C. and Sir G.S.  I showed it to the D. of P. before his Grace left town; and at his, the D. of P.’s, desire, I have sent it to the D. of R. The principal alteration is in the pages last but one.  It is made to remove a difficulty which had been suggested to Sir G.S., and which he thought had a good deal in it.  I think it much the better for that alteration.  Indeed, it may want still more corrections, in order to adapt it to the present or probable future state of things.

What shall I say in excuse for this long letter, which frightens me when I look back upon it?  Your Lordship will take it, and all in it, with your usual incomparable temper, which carries you through so much both from enemies and friends.  My most humble respects to Lady R., and believe me, with the highest regard, ever, &o.

E.B.

I hear that Dr. Franklin has had a most extraordinary reception at Paris from all ranks of people.

BEACONSFIELD, Monday night, Jan. 6, 1777.

ADDRESS TO THE KING.

We, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, several of the peers of the realm, and several members of the House of Commons chosen by the people to represent them in Parliament, do in our individual capacity, but with hearts filled with a warm affection to your Majesty, with a strong attachment to your royal house, and with the most unfeigned devotion to your true interest, beg leave, at this crisis of your affairs, in all humility to approach your royal presence.