To the independent Electors of the Borough of Chippenham
Gentlemen,
As it is generally believed that a disposition of parliament has, after much hesitation, been at length decided upon, I beg leave most respectfully to say, that I shall not be a candidate upon the present occasion. Had such been my intention, I should of course have taken the field many weeks ago. But with what propriety could I commence a canvas, unless I had an earnest desire to serve in the next parliament? And unless I preferred it, at a period like the present, to the tranquillity of private life?
In 1831 I came forward, to add my feeble aid ot the efforts of thousands, who struggled to obtain the Great Reform Bill. The issue of the contest was at that time doubtful and I thought it incumbent upon all Reformers to stand forward and make one strenuous and united effort.
At the present moment there is indeed a contest between the conservative and reforming Governments. But I see the Tory cause is hopeless - their game is desperate - and therefore I need not regret the loss of a few votes to the liberal party in this part of the country, which will probably be compensated by a gain in other quarters.
The new ministry dissolves the parliament well then, let them do so! Let them appeal to the nation! It is their last chance!
The first vote of the new parliament will very probably remove them from power. They will then find, when it is too late, that they have bartered their future hopes for a very trifling present advantage, as Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage- If the Tories should hereafter be punished by a long exclusion from power, they will owe it mainly to this great act of folly, this vain and most futile attempt to arrest the progress of Reform in our free and enlightened Nation.
In these days of party conflict, a seat in parliament has become less an object of my ambition, than in more tranquil, and I may add more reasonable times. Should such times return again, I shall once more become desirous of filling an office which is both important and honourable. I have always felt its importance, and have maturely weighed every vote that I have given. And its honour is the only requital for an often very toilsome service.
I thank you for having given me a seat in the first reformed parliament. It was a parliament which (whatever were its faults) contained a great majority of well-intentioned upright and honourable men, in that respect yielding to no similar assembly that ever existed in this country. It effected a great deal of good, and would have done more if it had been permitted to continue.
I have served you in parliament faithfully and zealously: seldom absent from a division, so long as health permitted me. And the votes I gave were those you expected from me, and in accordance with my principles as a reformer.
I trust that my connexion with you will always be continued in the friendly intercourse of private life, and I take leave of you with every wish for your general and individual prosperity.
I remain Gentlemen Your obedient humble servant
H. F. Talbot
Lacock Abbey
27th December 1834