"حياة ومراسلات اللواء السير جون مالكوم، قائد فرسان وسام الطُهر، المبعوث السابق إلى بلاد فارس وحاكم بومباي؛ من رسائل ومذكرات غير منشورة. في مجلّدين. المجلد II." [‎٤‎٦‎٠] (٦٥٤/٤٧٧)

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PREFERMENT.
is only one way," wrote Canning, in reply, " in which I
can fairly answer yon, which is this: I am already in
confidence as to the wishes of another person, to whom,
however, I have not promised any assistance, citing
your probable pretensions as my reason for refraining to
do so. With regard to that other person, however, I
am so peculiarly circumstanced that I cannot take any
part, or express any wish, unfavorable to his success."
That other person was Mr. Lushington.
This answer disappointed and somewhat chagrined
Malcolm, who believed that Canning's past support of
his claims in some degree pledged him still to advocate
his cause. But, in no wise disheartened, he addressed
himself to the Duke of Wellington, saying, " As this is,
probably, the last time in my life I shall be a candidate
for such a station, I must neglect no honorable means to
attain the object of my ambition It matters not
who occupies the ground. My claims are good; and
neither indifference nor opposition from quarters where
I expected friendship and support, shall make me either
compromise or resign them. If I fail, I shall learn
(rather late in life) the value of the praises and profes
sions on which I have so long been feasted."
This letter educed the following reply :
the duke of wellington to sir john malcolm.
March 19, 1824.
My dear Malcolm ,—There is a Council at Carlton House
at twelve, wliicli I must attend; and as the King has three reports
to receive from the Recorder, God knows at what hour the
Council will break up. But I will return from the Council to The
Ordnance Office; and if I should be in time and able to see you,
I will send to you in Jermyn-street.
I desired you, yesterday, not to be too sanguine. I had con
versations with the President of the Board of Control and others,