Letter – Charles Grey to Charles Monck – 14 Oct 1825

                                                                   				Govt House Oct 14th 1825 

My dear Monck

       I received your letter of the 222nd Sept from Wheatley in due course.  The postponement of the dissolution seems to render any further dissension on that subject unnecessary for the present.

       But there are two points in your letter on which I am anxious to prevent any further misunderstanding between us.

       In the first place with respect to Lambton I really was not aware that his presence at Blagdon had excited your jealousy.  Sure I am that he gave no cause for it as I perfectly remember how carefully he abstained from putting himself forward in the discussion which took place there.  I do not recollect that you expressed any such feeling at the time; your dissatisfaction was stated on quite a different ground & I really cannot conceal my surprise at the objection you have now started, remembering that when Lambton really did take an active part in the Queen’s business both at London where the resolutions & requisition were drawn up & at the meeting which was subsequently held at Morpeth, you never stated a doubt as to the propriety of his interference.

       Legally & constitutionally Lambton has as good a right as any of us to use his best exertions to promote the election in the Cty of Northd of the candidate he may prefer.  He stands in no situation in which he can be regarded with reasonable Jealousy as invading the privileges of the County; it is natural that he should be anxious & being anxious that he should exert himself to support so near a connection as Howick, & I am too sensible of the value of his advice & assistance, on such an occasion to forego them in consequence of objections which appear to me so untenable.

       In the next place, with respect to the Duke.   You speak of the disposition he has shown not to invade the independence of the County; of his title in return to our respect; & you express a hope that ‘I will save you from all difficulties and distresses in this regard.’

       I really do not very well understand to what this points.  I feel as well disposed as any man, to show the Duke all the respect to which he is entitled, & I shall therefore as soon as the proper time for that purpose appears to me to have arrived, communicate with him directly on Howick’s offening himself as a Candidate for the County.

       This is an attention which I think he has a right to expect & this I will  certainly be anxious to pay him in the most conciliatory manner; but I have no connection with him, personal or political, which would authorise me to do more.  So far then I hope there is no difference between us, as to which would be the proper conduct with respect to the Duke.  But if you mean in the event of his objecting to Howick or proposing another Candidate that Howick should withdraw, I must frankly tell you is neither my feeling nor intention.  I have not formed my resolution lightly & having formed it if he takes my advice he will offer himself, let what will happen at the meeting which I conclude will be held as a matter of course for a nomination; & is certainly if the sense of that meeting shall be favourable to him, proceed to a Poll.

       Grey