If any circumstances should produce, or even render probable, any new opening in the missions, then will be the natural moment, not for Charles's application to Lord C----, but for the renewal of yours to _Lord L----_. At the same time, I am sure Charles will not be unnecessarily reluctant or adverse to any communication with Lord C---- that may become necessary, or may naturally arise out of your request to Lord L----, and out of such circumstances as may require discussion; but though the present state of things seems to promise no advantage in any renewed application from you, whenever it does, I am sure you will find Charles heartily and sincerely grateful to you for your warm and disinterested kindness to his brother.--I should distrust, as you do, the result of the Catholic Bill, if every day did not furnish some new evidence which, if correct, seems to promise a more favourable result. Yesterday, I heard of Lord Fife having said that the K---- had told him he did not wish to influence his opinions; and to-day I hear from good authority that Bloomfield has written within these four days, that the K---- will go to Ireland with the certainty of greater and more general popularity than could _have been_ conceived. The language of the opponents, too, is colder and flatter than it has ever been; rumours--I know not how true--of the Duke of Rutland hesitating on the question, and daily talk of other unexpected votes. Perhaps these rumours are exaggerated; but still they add to the general tide and current of opinion as to the probable success, and that opinion may go far to procure the result that is so much to be wished. My own notions are, that there should be no exclusion in the Bill except that of the Lord-Lieutenant, who ought to be as much excluded there as the K---- is here. I would not exclude the Chancellor, because I think first it is a breach of the great principle of the measure; and secondly, because it will be an irritating bar to and exclusion of the whole legal profession in Ireland, who are the most influencing and formidable body in that whole country, in all times, and on all questions of public agitation. I would, therefore, leave the Seals open to them, and satisfy the Protestants, as to all ecclesiastical dangers, by special commissions and clauses for the objects of their apprehensions. But for all practical good, one must learn to be satisfied with what can be reached, when what we desire is out of our reach. Till this measure passes, neither England nor Ireland can be safe. Yours ever most affectionately, T. G. DR. PHILLIMORE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. Whitehall, March 14, 1821. MY DEAR LORD,