The letter was very flattering, and Wilkes was pleased. "I am satisfied that _Junius_ now means me well,"--he wrote in reply (12 Sept.)--"and I wish to merit more than his regard, his friendship," but with his usual independence he declined to desert Brass Crosby, to whom he had promised his support before the arrival of _Junius's_ letter. He was even prepared to do a little juggling in order to support Crosby's re-election. "To make Crosby mayor, it is necessary to return to the Court of Aldermen another man so obnoxious that it is impossible for them to elect him. Bridgen I take to be this man. While he presided in the city, he treated them with insolence, was exceedingly rude and scurrilous to them personally, starved them at the few entertainments he gave, and pocketed the city cash.[321]" Even if Bridgen were re-elected by any chance, Crosby would probably be appointed his _locum tenens_ (Wilkes proceeded to point out), and so in any event all would be well. As for Sawbridge, little good could come of a reconciliation, "I allow him honest, but think he has more mulishness than understanding, more understanding than candour." Sawbridge moreover had already declared, that if he were chosen mayor at the next election he would pay fine rather than serve, "because Townshend ought to be mayor"--a declaration which Wilkes characterises as bordering on insanity.[322] The correspondence thus commenced in so warm and friendly a manner was continued for several months. Finding himself unable to prevail upon Wilkes to become reconciled with Sawbridge, _Junius_ contented himself with warning him at all hazards not to allow a "ministerial alderman" to be elected into the mayoralty chair, and begging that if after a fair canvas of the livery it was found that Bridgen had no chance of being returned, he would give up the point at once, and let Sawbridge be returned with Crosby--"a more likely way, in _my_ judgment, to make Crosby lord mayor."[323] [Sidenote: The election of Nash, Mayor, 8 Oct., 1771.]