Letter from the Marquess of Clanricarde, London, to Mary Dawson-Damer, 1831 October 10 : autograph manuscript signed.

Relating details of the debates over the Reform Bill and stating that he is writing on behalf of his wife, Harriet [née Canning] who is "...being too indolent or tired;" saying "Harriet may be excused when you hear that she began at 1/2 past 3 or 4 every day & sat or stood through the whole of the five nights debates excepting the last two hours of Saturday morning when she missed the most eloquent (save one) speech that I ever heard - I mean Lord Grey's;" describing the women and the reporters who were in the gallery and saying "There was a capital mélange - Tories Whigs Exclusives & Middle Classes...However it is all over - and all is quiet as to blows. But as to talk... Every one has an opinion of their own but they exchange them so fast one cannot know any body's. The great thing looked to is Peel's speech tonight - What his line is to be no one knows but it generally agreed that it will be the most shabby. I suppose Parliament will be prorogued early next week & not meet again before Xmas. Then with some verbal alterations the same Bill will be brought into our House and passed. The Humites behaved very well at a meeting - They have promised to try to quiet the people & to support Ministers through thick & thin. There are meetings today in most of the Parishes for addresses to His Majesty to retain his Ministers & be firm and this vote of confidence is expected to pass with a great majority;" relating news of mutual friends and discussing their arrival in Ireland and asking when would be the best time for them to visit Cahir.