Copy of a letter : "Gloucester Lodge"[London], to Spencer Perceval, 1809 Aug. 31.

Concerning any part he might take in the discussions related to a possible resignation by the Duke of Portland; saying he feels "that although I am precluded by the Circumstances which I have explained to you, from taking part in any discussion as to the expediency of the Duke of Portland's retirement, I owe it to the frankness with which you have opened yourself to me, not to withhold from you the Communication of what my sentiments would be in the event of the Duke of Portland's voluntary resignation: saying he cannot agree with the "frame of Government" which he has proposed and is convinced "that a Minister - and that Minister in the House of Commons - is indispensable to the well-carrying-on the King's Government in these times;" adding that he does not feel he could continue to serve if he did not receive the appointment but also is "not so presumptuous as to expect that you should acquiesce in that choice falling on me...and you will now be at no loss to account for any backwardness which you may have thought I have shown to enter upon this very delicate question of eventual arrangements."