Edmund Burke, Bristol, to Thomas Mullett, Bristol, 13 April 1775 (copy).

   Mr Burke presents his best compliments to Mr Mullet and has no doubt, that his intentions, in sending Mr Burke the account prefixed to the Poll1 were as kind and obliging as possible, and as such he thanks him ^for these intentions.^ But this account in some <--> parts contains in Substance what Mr Mullet has formerly told Mr Burke, and which Mr Burke at that time he neither did or could admit. He is therefore rather surprised, that Mr Mullet should send to him personally that account whatever he might think, or might believe it proper to represent to the publick. There are some things in the account, which Mr Burke from Justice and Gratitude to his particular friends, as well as from his regard and attention to the City of Bristol can by no means allow. Mr Burke has a very high respect for Mr Cruger; but cannot admit, that that Gentleman or his personal friends or the private & personal friends of any Gentleman whatsoever can dispose of the City of Bristol. Nor is it for Mr Burke’s honour or for the honour of the City, that it should be thought ^given out^ that he was Elected upon any other than publick motives. To those who voted for him upon such motives he has obligations which he never can forget. But Mr Burke having had a secure seat, when he was chosen for Bristol, would neither have given himself or others trouble for what could do him so little Credit, as to have been brought in by the private favour & personal party of any Man. Lest he should ^seem to^ admit, what he so entirely disdains, & not out of the least disregard to Mr Mullet, for whom he has the highest value, ^to whom he would wish to show every possible attention,^ he takes the Liberty of returning him the Pamphlet. He is perfectly satisfied, it was merely through inadvertency, & not through want of politeness, Mr Mullet sent it to – Mr Burke does not pretend to restrain Mr Mullet from doing what he pleases in other places or to other persons, but he is sure, that in future Mr Mullet will be too well bred, on consideration, to tell these things with himself to Mr Burke himself.

Note

1 A reference to an anonymous pamphlet (possibly written by a Mr. Peach, as noted in the next letter) titled The Whole Proceedings of the Late Contested Election, of the City of Bristol; between Messrs. Cruger, Burke, Clare, & Brickdale (London: Printed by J. Browne, and sold by W. Pine, in Bristol [1775]).

Text: Sheffield City Archives, Correspondence and Papers of Edmund Burke, 1729-1797, WWM/Bk P/1/682P.