The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL.
It will easily be believed that I was not a little im-
patient at these inexplicable and hazardous delays ;
happily relief was coming.
but
"April 8th. Last night the Ministers had an unexpectedly large
majority on the question of the income tax, and they are now considered
safe for the session. Spoke to the Postmaster-General on the
subject of assistance."
"April 28th. The Postmaster-General, who is returned to town,
is much pleased with my success in the North Western negotiation [to
be explained hereafter], which I think has hastened the decision as to
Frederic. He has seen the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and inti-
mates that the matter is satisfactorily settled ; but I am to see the
Postmaster-General at his house to-morrow."
"April 2gth. At the Postmaster-General's house. I am to prepare
a letter to the Treasury, and a minute recommending the
appointment of an assistant-secretary to the Postmaster-General, and
let the Postmaster-General see both in draft. Frederic is virtually
appointed."
"May jth. The Postmaster-General has returned the drafts with
some verbal alterations only."
"May 6th. At the Postmaster-General's house. He was going to
the Drawing Room, and could do no more than sign a fair copy of
the letter to the Treasury. Will see minute to-morrow. Authorizes
me to say that he will appoint Frederic. Intends to transfer the
secretarial management of the Railway Department to me."
"June 2nd. The Treasury authority for the appointment of an
assistant-secretary to the Postmaster-General having been received, I
lost no time in submitting it to the Postmaster-General, who, on my
stating the anxiety on the subject of my poor father (now, I fear, on
his death-bed), kindly filled up Frederic's appointment on the instant;
and I immediately despatched Pearson [my son] to
the news."
Tottenham with
"June jth. Thanked the Postmaster-General in my father's name
for his kindness with reference to Frederic's appointment. Obtained
leave of absence for Frederic, in order that he may continue in
attendance on my father.
Tottenham."
I have sent him work which he can do at
"June ijth. Attending the death-bed of my dear father. Till
within a few hours of his dissolution he retained the command of his
faculties, and took evident pains by signs (for he was too feeble to
speak more than a word or two) to show his recognition of us all, and