I shall have whatever that country affords of comfort or splendour; nor will my absence be so long that my friends, or the public here, will be likely to lose sight of me.
The only persons who know what I have written to you are Lord Grey, the Grants, Stewart Mackenzie, and George Babington.

Charles Grant and Stewart Mackenzie, who know better than most men the state of the political world, think that I should act unwisely in refusing this post; and this though they assure me,--and, I really believe, sincerely,--that they shall feel the loss of my society very acutely.

But what shall I feel?
And with what emotions, loving as I do my country and my family, can I look forward to such a separation, enjoined, as I think it is, by prudence and by duty?
Whether the period of my exile shall be one of comfort,--and, after the first shock, even of happiness,--depends on you.

If, as I expect, this offer shall be made to me, will you go with me?
I know what a sacrifice I ask of you.

I know how many dear and precious ties you must, for a time, sunder.