| Title | Letter from George Cavendish at London to William Longsdon on the forthcoming election, and his own anxious desire, shared by the Duke of Devonshire, to keep quite clear of it and not interfere in slightest degree with the choice of the electors of N. Derbyshire, Lord George almost regrets that Mr Evans introduced his [Lord George's] name into his closing address because though their conversation had been innocent enough it was in the address susceptible of misinterpretation.
Further account of Mr Evans telling Lord George in May or June 1852 of his wish to retire from Parliament, and Mr Gisborne's opinion that retirement was not opportune when the Derbyites [Conservatives] were stirring heaven and earth to get a majority, and retirement would involve County in all the horrors of a contest. Evans had agreed to stand at the General Election on condition that he should be free to retire before the next Dissolution. Nothing had been said about his son standing. As only Lord George's name mentioned in address, Lord George might be suspected of influencing him for personal reasons, instead of merely concurring in Gisborne's advice "to see the County spared the horrors and heart burnings of a contested election." Lord George knows nothing but good of Mr Thomas Evans.
Lord George is glad to hear that William is safely back in this country, and hopes that his health has not been affected. He regrets that the [Bakewell] Board of Guardians declined to elect Mr Taylor [John Taylor, as Clerk]. The appointment which has taken place should not have done so. Lord George said so at the Board meeting when the Board cut down the salary without further enquiry. Hopes to be at Ashford next week. 15 July [1853]. |