I really had, after receiving your first letter, begun to accustom myself to look at the bright side of the question alone, and to indulge soothing visions of honour and happiness to you both in the new course which is opened to you. And I will endeavour, and for my own peace of mind I _must_ endeavour, still so to do. But the decision must rest, where it ought to rest, with yourself and with Charles; and I can have no other sentiment or feeling on the subject, but that which leads me to offer up the most earnest wishes and prayers that it may be such as shall be most honourable and happy to yourselves, and through you to the country. I have shown this to my brother, who desires me only to add on his part, that Wellesley's nomination had made the same impression on him, as offering a new and most important change in the _face_ of the Government, and _that_ (as Lord Londonderry would say) in one of its largest _features_; and that this feeling is with him, as with me, more than _neutralized_ by a measure to which, forming, as it will do, a part of the new proposed arrangements, you and yours are directly made parties. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO MR. W. H. FREMANTLE. London, Dec. 3, 1821. MY DEAR FREMANTLE, Since I saw you this morning I have learned that Lord Sidmouth is to remain in the Cabinet by the King's particular desire. I have not seen Lord Liverpool, but I conclude that he omitted to mention this from forgetfulness. Indeed, I had myself forgotten that the King had in the discussions of last summer, desired it. I beg you, however, to recollect that ours is not, nor never has been, a _controversial_ Cabinet upon any subject; and that a man more or less of any particular opinion will not have the slightest influence on the decision of any question. Believe me, ever yours most sincerely, WELLINGTON. THE MARQUIS WELLESLEY TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. Richmond, Dec. 3, 1821. MY DEAR LORD,