Similar resolutions were moved and carried by Fox in the House of Commons, and at once sent over to Ireland accompanied with an assurance that Bills founded upon them would be at once introduced.[1] Instructions were at the same time given that no opposition was to be offered to the other measures of reform, which naturally originated in the Irish Parliament.[2] The joyful tidings was followed in Ireland with a burst of gratitude, and the Parliament voted £100,000 for the levy of twenty thousand seamen. "You will not be displeased," wrote Portland to Shelburne, "at the proof your countrymen have given of their gratitude, liberality and affection to Great Britain. I am not afraid of the speedy revival of their confidence, and though a very considerable and I confess not unnatural share of jealousy remains, if some temper and patience could be taught them, they would become as useful members as they actually are zealous admirers of the English Constitution; but I must add that in my opinion, time is requisite to effect this purpose."[3]
The Irish nation could not however be persuaded to make any concessions in accordance with the spirit of the second resolution of the English Parliament. For some time indeed Portland deceived himself with vain hopes, as the two following letters will show.
Duke of Portland to the Earl of Shelburne.
"Most Secret and Confidential.Dublin Castle, Thursday noon.
June 6, 1782.
"My Lord,—The measure which I stated to your Lordship in my letter of last night as a sufficient inducement for deferring the Prorogation of Parliament, is of so delicate a nature and requires so much secrecy and management, that I think it unadvisable to trust the communication of it to any other hand than my own, and as it is possible that the event may
