Who should succeed Lord Liverpool, if he were about to retire, would be to me a matter of less interest than who shall succeed poor Gifford as the Editor of the Q. R. in case of his death, or of his inability to continue in that office. The latter probability he mentioned to me some weeks ago, & likewise how totally at a loss he was where to look for one who might supply his place. I mentioned John Coleridge to him, – & have mentioned him to Murray also.

– I have some reason to think that Gifford inclines to my opinion, for he has had a conversation with him upon the difficulties of an Editors task &c, & tho he said nothing which in any way committed himself, yet he would not have entered upon that subject, & into it as he did, unless he if my suggestion had been totally dismissed. One thing which he said was that his successor must be a man in whom the Government could feel confidence, because of the assistance which they afforded in the way of documents from the public offices. And this leads me to mention the subject to you.

There is no question about his abilities, acquirements habits & principles. But he possesses in an eminent degree discretion, a sound judgement, & a right feeling. I am sure he would never admit any thing which should lower the review, – nothing of that mere insolence which has so often disgraced it, & brought it down to the level of the Edinburgh.

The choice is a matter of more consequence than Murray is aware of. Murray is very much disliked by the trade. They would delight in injuring him, & (this is between ourselves) the project of starting a New Quarterly upon the same principles, has been thought of.

I do not wish to see this xxx because it would weaken the effect which the Q. now produces, & it is better to have one efficient journal of this kind, than to divide its power. But if it were made unexceptionable in its tone & temper & consistent in its views, I am sure its influence would be greatly increased.