Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/149

Rh was contingent on his deciding to return home at the close of the military operations.

Lord Ripon, President of the Board of Control, wrote in the same strain and in equally cordial language. Then came pouring in addresses from different bodies at home and in India — the City of London, the Mayor of Liverpool, the Corporations of Durham and Launceston (his former constituencies), the Council at Calcutta, public meetings of the natives of Calcutta and Madras — all eulogising his policy and praising its moderation; while there were hardly any of his old military and political friends who did not add something to the chorus of congratulations.

Peel's letter was a source of intense pleasure and satisfaction. Lord Hardinge wrote, in reply, that if his office was wanted when his old Chief went out he hoped the whole policy of the war would be scrutinised; that Peel had nobly supported him; that he was truly happy in such a vindicator of his actions and measures, and in such a friend who so honourably supported those whom he employed. On the 4th of July Peel wrote again: — 'You will see that we are out, defeated by a combination of Whigs and Protectionists. I had the satisfaction of seeing two drowsy Masters in Chancery announce at the table that the Lords had passed the Corn Bill. I was satisfied. Two hours after we were ejected from power.' The next day the news arrived that the Oregon question was settled. Peel's two forecasts were thus verified. He had predicted in a former