Copy of a letter : "Ealing", to [George] Canning, 1809 Aug. 29.

Addressing the issues concerning a possible resignation by the Duke of Portland raised in an earlier letter from Canning to Perceval (MA 855.27); expressing concern over the possibility of another illness by the Duke of Portland but adding that he believes Canning may have "misunderstood my expression. I did not mean to impress my confidence that our Colleagues could agree to an arrangement, or that an arrangement might be made (though I am aware of no sufficient reason to doubt it) - What I meant was, that upon the supposition that we, all of us, (meaning all our Colleagues the present Cabinet) should agree and think it advisable to keep the Government together and were therefore amongst members willing to attempt forming an arrangement for that purpose - upon that supposition, in my opinion, the government might be preserved without any material change, in the present hands;" regarding communication with others he says he has only talked with Harrowby and "the Lord Chancellor and Lord Liverpool; with whom I have agreed since the Duke's late illness, in general terms, that it was absurd not to be considering whether any, and what, arrangements might be made, in the event of our losing him;" asking for his agreement with his desire to make an arrangement and offering to speak to the Duke of Portland.