The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

174 LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL. [1851
would resign if beaten on an impending motion of
Mr. Disraeli's. Though, on the division, there was a
majority in their favour, yet, as the difference was only
fourteen, it was but too clear that the administration
was by no means firm. It was important, therefore,
to press on at once. I again called upon Mr. Hume ;
but though I found him very friendly, he still objected
to giving me the letter I wanted, intimating that he
should shortly effect the object by something which he
was to say in the House. I Naturally could not share
Mr. Hume's confidence, particularly as I could at best
but conjecture the tenour of his proposed remarks ;
and I must add, that though I have not the slightest
doubt of Mr. Hume's perfect good faith and earnest-
ness in the matter, I cannot find, either in my records
or in my recollection, that the intention was ever
fulfilled.
The following passage shows how kindly earnest
Lord Clanricarde was on my behalf, even at a season
of critical importance to himself:
"February 22nd. On reaching the office, found a note from the
Postmaster-General, desiring to see me at once. Went to his house
and found him busy writing a letter to the Treasury, recommending
the advance of my salary. He tells me that Lord John Russell has
tendered his resignation, and that they are all going out as soon as
their successors are appointed."
At my request he made an addition to his letter, for
the purpose of securing the position of my clerks in
the event of my being driven from office. After using
every means to hasten action in the Treasury, he sent
in the letter (which was very complimentary to me) by
his private secretary. The Treasury promptly replied,
authorizing the advancement of my salary in a letter,
from which the following is an extract :
" I am directed to acquaint your lordship that, in consideration of