Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/52

38 bridge, Sir Cecil Wray, Mr. Churchill, and Major Cartwright be deputed from this committee to the Hon. W. Pitt, to express to him our acknowledgment of his truly patriotic motion on the 7th inst., respecting the state of the representation of this country in Parliament, and our hopes that he will continue his exertions in support of a reform essentially necessary to the independence of Parliament and the liberty of the people." On the 23rd of May, 1782, the following letter from Pitt, addressed to Alderman Sawbridge, was received and entered on the minutes:—

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"I am extremely sorry that I was not at home when you and the other gentlemen from the Westminster committee did me the honour to call. May I beg the favour of you to express that I am truly happy to find that the motion of Tuesday last has the approbation of such zealous friends to the public, and to assure the committee that my exertions shall never be wanting in support of a measure which I agree with them in thinking essentially necessary to the independence of Parliament and the liberty of the people.

"I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

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The connection thus opened the committee were willing enough to continue and strengthen. During this same month of May, a vacancy in the representation of the city of Westminster was caused by Sir George Rodney being created a peer. Pitt was requested by the committee to stand, but at a meeting on the 3rd of June, Fox being in the chair, Churchill reported "that the Right Hon. William Pitt declines the honour of offering himself for this city;" and Sir Cecil Wray, who had been nominated at a public meeting, was accepted. Events soon occurred which not only prevented any joint action between Pitt and Fox, but broke the unity of the Whig party, and for a long time alienated from Fox the