L30/18/18/8

Sent from Vice Regal Lodge, Dublin from Earl de Grey to Sir James Graham:

5 Jan 1842

From: 1842 To: 1842

Gregory withdrawn for present "fearing (as it is said) that the numbers of persons who voted for West before and are so disgusted at my want of gratitude to them, is so great, that, added to those whose personal regard for Morpeth would induce them to support him, would make his (Gregory's share) doubtful"all "manouvre". Offered to put down £4,000, then withdrew but "only at 24 hours distance and would return if wanted." Vance also offered to put down £4,000, affronted his replacement should be preferred despite not putting down more money. £8,000 required (legal expenses £4,500 and £1,500 unpaid balance from last election). Deputation sent to Wolverley Attwood; conditional invitation sent to Colquhoun. Offer via relations of Randal Plunkett (at present at Rome) with security for £8,000 and sort of promise of more if wanted. "Some believe that Plunkett's offer is all coquetting and that the whole proceeding is to see where, and how much money is to be obtained". Relating to Dublin election. "Worst enemies are our professed friends, they are noisy fools". "If Peel was supported by a majority of 10 or 12 in the House of Commons, where the loss of a seat was of important consequence, I should feel differently. As it is the loss of Dublin would be a severe mortification, it would be most vexacious, it would give our opponents a ground for triumph and raillery and taunts of the most stinging nature, but would be a slap in the face which brings the water to one's eyes and not a knock down blow". "It would show the fools with whom we have to deal, the necessity of giving up their own paltry, underhand intrigues". "It would conduce to secure more cordial co-operation in the future". "I will do my utmost to secure our success but feel no sort of alarm or anxiety or... regret if we are beat". You shall have all the cases of gross misconduct of our predecessors... as a ground and justification for our own delinquencies. "Other good men" disagree regarding to success in election" failure would be fatal."

item

Gregory, William Henry,
West,
Morpeth,
Vance,
Attwood, Matthias Wolverley,
Colquhoun,
Plunkett, Randal,
Peel, Robert

Dublin, elections