The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

i846] THE NEW MINISTRY. 37
CHAPTER XV.
APPOINTMENT TO POST OFFICE (1846).
ALTHOUGH I was confident that the return of the
Liberals to power was but a question of time, it
followed so rapidly upon the events already mentioned
as almost to take me, and I suppose many others, by
After holding office somewhat less than five
surprise.
years, Sir Robert Peel found himself without adequate
support in the House which had raised him to power,
and on the 2Qth of the month in which I received my
testimonial he resigned.
Although I became aware, by repeated conversations
which I had had with my friend Mr. Hawes, who was a
member of the new Government, that he confidently
reckoned upon my recall, yet, knowing that he could
have no direct power in the matter, I was desirous of
further evidence as to the intentions of the new adminis-
tration. Mr. Warburton, who was always believed to
have great influence with Liberals in power as well as
out of power, undertook to communicate with the
Government. On July 3Oth he wrote word that he
had had an interview with the new Chancellor of the
Exchequer (Sir Charles Wood, now Lord Halifax),
and would be glad to see me on the morrow. Of his
oral communication I have retained no record, but
according to my recollection the Chancellor had