The Life of William Wilberforce (Volume 4) - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1838. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 1812. RESIGNATION ANNOUNCED. 57 be glad of your opinion on that head, on which I mean also to consult Creyke and another friend or two. If the dissolution of parliament should seem really likely, or pretty certainly to take place, it might, and I conceive would, become right for me to declare my intention without further loss of time; but if we seem likely to live through another session, the declaration might this year be premature. I cannot conclude without thanking you most cordially for all the kindness which I have experienced from you during my connexion with York; for though I am not vain, or rather foolish enough to ascribe your support to personal motives, which indeed would be a supposition dishonourable to yourself, yet I should be void of all gratitude if its emotions were not called forth by the long course of continued good offices with which you have favoured me. Let me again however earnestly request, that all I have said may be at present considered as strictly confidential. "Let me beg you to present my own and Mrs. W.'s kind remembrances to Lady Charlotte, who, with all the family, I hope is well, and to believe me, my dear D. with real regard, Yours very sincerely, W. WlLBERFORCE." His intentions did not long remain a secret. On the 21st, hearing from good authority that parliament was about to be dissolved, he sent " his resigning advertisement." On the 24th, he was "very busy writing letters, announcing my retiring. My advertisement in the Courier to-day. Lascelles has notified to Wentworth House that he did not mean to offer. I humbly trust that I have done right; but I cannot say that I do not feel a good deal. Surely it is much to quit such a situation with a high character, and with the wishes of friends that I should retain it. I go to...