We have a new Chairman and Deputy Chairman, both very strongly in my favour.

Sharp, by whom I sate yesterday at the Fishmongers' dinner, told me that my old enemy James Mill had spoken to him on the subject.

Mill is, as you have heard, at the head of one of the principal departments of the India House.

The late Chairman consulted him about me; hoping, I suppose, to have his support against me.

Mill said, very handsomely, that he would advise the Company to take me; for, as public men went, I was much above the average, and, if they rejected me, he thought it very unlikely that they would get anybody so fit.