letter, communicating that Declaration with the opinion of a private Person unauthorized by the Committee, that such a Resolution would probably pass in that Assembly, if it were understood that their adoption of that measure, would be accepted by the Nobility as a sufficient inducement to join in the Association. In pursuance of this idea, a letter was drawn up which had the approbation of Sir George Savile; and, although I have no direct reason to think he would have undertaken to conduct the Negociation, yet I believe he would have given his assistance as a mediator and common friend; if there had been a sufficient encouragement from those Gentlemen who were consulted, to carry the measure into execution. But although the Majority of the opinions collected was inclined to try the experiment; various objections were stated from different quarters. Some of these difficulties respecting the terms of the Proposition itself, or the mode of the Overture, might perhaps have been got over; but the disposition of the Nobility was thought to be so unripe for union, and in the present state of things any application seemed so little likely to produce the good proposed, that the advance would have been much disapproved by some of the most respectable Members of the Committee; and it was therefore found advisable, a few days ago, to inform Sir George Savile, the scheme must be laid aside
for the present;—However, though this pro* posal has failed, I trust it has had no bad consequences ; on the contrary, there seem to be good consequences, which may hereafter be derived from it, when a more favourable opportunity occurs for renewing the proposal. The Declaration had been originally drawn up by Lord Mahon; but if the idea of an Overture had been approved, it would have been necessary to obviate objections by some material alterations. With my best wishes for your good health,
And with most sincere esteem and regard,
I am, ever, my Dear Sir,
Your faithful humble servant,
C. WYVILL.
Paper XIV.
Letter front John Dunning, Esq; to the Rev* C. Wyvill.
Putney, 03ober ?tb, 1781.
Dear Sir,
YOUR obliging favour from Hartlepool was forwarded to me in the due course of the post in Devonshire, where the indisposition
it found me in, will I hope be accepted as an apology for my not acknowledging it sooner.
I was in truth far from well during any part of the summer, but towards the end of it, the heat of the weather with the foul air of many crouded Assemblies, in which I was obliged to pass it, oppressed me to the degree of making me at length unable to attend to any thing.— I have been for some time recovering, and one of the sirst things I have thought it necessary to attempt, is to thank you for the communication of your laudable though unsuccessful efforts in the public cause.
Whatever may be the ultimate issue of them, I must admire the steadiness with which you pursue them, without being diverted by the warmth with which you are attacked on one side, or the coldness you meet with on another. Preached at by your spiritual Peers, and unsupported by your temporal ones; men. less, convinced of the importance of their objects might be induced to abandon them, but the sirst I am persuaded you treat as it merits, and as much of Coalition with the latter as may be useful to the Public, I hope you will be found right in expecting to meet with at a more favourable opportunity. I do not recollect to have seen or until you mentioned it to have heard of the Paper drawn by Lord Mahon. t
I am, with great respect and esteem, Dear Sir, your faithful and obedient servant,
J. DUNNING. Number XXVII.
Number XXVII.
Taper L
Note by the Rev. Francis Dodsworth to the Rev. C. Wyvill, containing a Message from the Earl of Shelburne to Mr. Wyvill •> with Mr» Wyvill's Answer annexed.
MR. Frank Dodsworth presents his compliments to Mr. Wyvill; as he passed through London a little more than a fortnight ago he saw the Earl of Shelburne, who desired him, if he saw Mr. Wyvill, to give his compliments to him, and to assure him that he kept in view the Resolutions of the Association of the County of York, and meant to act nobly by the Association; or words to that effect.— Mr. F. Dodsworth's short stay at Watlass prevented him from delivering this Message in person to Mr. Wyvill.
Watlass, August i$th, I;8j.
X 3 Answer
Answer by the Rev. G. Wyvill to the preceding Note.
MR Wyvill presents his compliments tQ Mr. Frank Dodsworth, has just received the favour of his Note, dated August 15th, containing Lord Shelburne's obliging Message, which Mr. Wyvill begs Mr. Dodsworth to assure his Lordship, he will communicate to the Yorkshire Committee on the 31st of October; when the repeated promise of Lord Shelburne's support, will undoubtedly give great satisfaction to that respectable Body of Independent Men.
Hartlepool, August nth, 178Z.
'. '. . . . . . .t .e . i ' 1' 1''
Paper II.
Note by the Rey. F. Dodsworth to the Rev. C. Wyvill, respecting the Message of Lord ShelBurne/0 Mr. Wyvill, with a Letter from his Lordship to Mr. Dodsworth inclofed; and Mr. Wyvill's Answer to Mr. Dodsworth annexed.
MR. Frank Dodsworth presents his compliments to Mr. Wyvill, and as it is impossible to express Lord Shelburne's meaning in better words than his own, has enclosed him
a Letter
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