Autograph letter signed : London, to [Lord Richard] Wellesley, 1809 Oct. 5.

Concerning the recent resignation of Canning and the offer of his position to Wellesley; saying that he hopes the letters he received from his brother (William Pole) and Mr. Sydenham "placed the late division in its true light; and that you will never have seriously thought of quitting the Embassy, because Canning resign'd. There is not, I am satisfied, an Individual who would not blame you for so doing; even the warmest friends of Canning would consider such a devotion to him unaccountable. I feel therefore confident that this Letter will find you at Seville with no disposition to give up the Opportunity which there presents itself of being of essential Service to your Country - The object of this Letter therefore is not to endeavour to confirm you in such a resolution, but to persuade you that an Occasion now offers, which will enable you to find yourself in that situation in this Country to which your Abilities & Character so justly entitle you. I have felt your acceptance of the Office of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to be so desirable for the King's Government, and for yourself, that I have accepted it, for the purpose of giving time for your answer. It would be a waste of words for me to [illegible] how very anxious I must be that you should accept, when I share it in the most indisputable manner by placing myself in so very embarrassing situation as I must continue to be in, until I receive your Answer. I will not disguise from you that when you will come back to us, you will have to encounter some clamour, which we must despise(?), and many difficulties which your Exertions will I am sure be able to surmount - That Canning will join the Opposition, there can be no doubt; that he has already in fact done so, is by many believed - It is however certainly not his Interest to avow(?) it at present; and I do not think he has come to any decision; it would however be idle to imagine that in some shape or other such a junction will not take place;" encouraging him to come home and accept the position.