He did not probably know how firm was the hold he had obtained of the public ear.

At any rate he was anxious, and endeavoured to secure for himself a permanent income in the public service.

He had become by this time acquainted, probably intimate, with the Marquis of Clanricarde, who was then Postmaster-General.

In 1848 there fell a vacancy in the situation of Assistant-Secretary at the General Post Office, and Lord Clanricarde either offered it to him or promised to give it to him.

The Postmaster-General had the disposal of the place,--but was not altogether free from control in the matter.