I have had the honour of receiving your Excellency's letter of the 19th of this month, informing me that His Majesty's Ministers are induced, by the unfortunate situation of Ireland, to think seriously of an Union between the two kingdoms. And your Excellency is pleased to add that in the event of the measure ultimately taking place, you shall hope to derive assistance from me. This being the first intimation I have had of such an intention being entertained seriously, and being quite ignorant of the terms and conditions intended to be offered, it is impossible for me to form such an opinion upon this very great and complicated subject, full of difficulty, and I fear of danger, to both kingdoms, as could enable me with any degree of propriety, to say at this time what part ought to be taken by a man, determined to promote as far as he is able what shall appear to him to be the true interests of his country.