'On the 8th December I made my first speech, advocating a Greek Republic, and suggesting that if they must have a King, they had better look to the northern nations to supply one. I was named by Everett, the President, as one of the tellers in the Division.' Probably the speech had been no more of a success than most maiden speeches, for Mr. Dilke's letter reads like a consolation: "The Greek debate I care little about. I would much rather have _read_ a paper on the subject. _Till a man can write he cannot speak_-- except, as Carlyle would say, 'in a confused babble of words and ideas.'" The main part of the grandson's letters were concerned with the topics handled and the speeches made at the Union. "_November 7th_, 1862. "How wavering and shortsighted the policy of England in Turco-Grecian matters has been of late! Compare Navarino and Sebastopol. Palmerston will, if he has his way, oblige the Greeks to continue in much the same state of degradation as hitherto, and will go on holding up the crumbling Turkish Empire till some rising of Christians occurs at a time when we have our hands full and cannot afford to help our 'old friend.' Then Turkey-in-Europe will vanish. I do not myself believe in the Pan-Slavonic Empire. The Moldavians, Hungarians, and Greeks could never be long united; but I think that Greece might hold the whole of the coast and mountain provinces without containing in itself fatal elements of disunion. "Brown--No. 3 of our four--broke from his training to-day, and spent the whole day with the hounds. That will never do." Mr. Dilke in reply did not conceal the amusement which was awakened in him by the rowing man's deadly seriousness: "_November 9th_, 1862. "I agree with you. No Browns, no hunting fellows, no divided love!! If 'a man' goes in 'our boat' he goes in to win. "Broke from his training!" Abominable! Had he 'broke from his training' when standing out for Wrangler, why so be it, _his_ honour only would be concerned; but here it is _our_ honour, T. H. for ever, and no fox-hunting! "After this, the Greek question falls flat on the ears, but I will suggest..." and thereupon he goes into hints for research, very characteristic in their thoroughness, ending with a practical admonition: