The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1846] SECRETARY TO THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL. 43
and though, after much consideration,
I felt inclined to
give way, I resolved first to consult all such of my
brothers as were within reach. The result in each
case was curiously identical, though for some reason,
now forgotten, I had to consult them severally. Each
began with an indignant ejaculation at the terms as
they stood, and a declaration that they could not be
accepted ; but each, after hearing the matter to the
end, came to the conclusion that, unworthy as was the
treatment to which I was subjected, it would not do to
forego what might prove to be my only opportunity of
completing my great work. Since my own conviction
accorded with theirs, I wrote to Mr. Hawes in acceptance
of the offer. As the letter fully sets forth my
reasons for this step, I give it in extenso :
" Brighton, November 23rd, 1846.
" MY DEAR HAWES, You will be glad to learn that I have decided
to accept the offer of Government of a permanent appointment as
secretary to the Postmaster-General, at a salary of 1,200 a-year.
" The opinion so strongly expressed by Mr. Warburton and yourself
as to the necessity for so doing, backed as it now is by that of
Mr. Samuel Jones Loyd, has overborne my own objections, though I
cannot say that it has removed them, as I still feel great apprehension
that, notwithstanding the promises of support which I have
received from the Postmaster-General and the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, I shall have to encounter that opposition which has
hitherto been so successful in retarding the progress of penny postage,
and on some occasions in resisting the most the Treasury.
positive orders of
" You are aware that, with a view to neutralize, or at least diminish,
this formidable opposition, I was willing to sacrifice a large propor-
tion of my own salary, in order to enable the Government to offer
Colonel Maberly his full salary as a retiring allowance. It is not for
me to discuss the reasons which have led to Colonel Maberly's re-
tention in office, but it obviously is my duty carefully to consider
how far such retention ought to influence my own conduct.
"This difficult question has occupied my mind for several days,
and the result, I am sorry to is say, a confirmation of the opinion