ABSTRACT
I cannot tell how Holloway and Mallison procured their intelligence; but they seemed to be acquainted with every thing that passed. The present situation of affairs took away all distance between us. I knew, that in them I should meet with concurrence, in whatever I should act respecting the point nearest my heart; and I knew not where else I should find it. The vehemence of passion that had animated me in my interview with Henrietta, the burst of frenzy that had seized me, had in a great degree subsided during my return from the New Forest into Derbyshire. I consulted / with Holloway what was to be done in this momentous crisis. I shrunk from no violence, I was willing to engage in the widest scene of blood and devastation, rather than suffer that event to take place, which I regarded with more horror than the destruction of millions. It was the task of those within whose custody I was placed, to moderate me; and yet only so far to moderate me, as to render the blow more effectual, and the success more secure. They believed that the actual solemnity of marriage would not be attempted, till the legal power of Holloway had received its quietus by the determination of the law: yet were they not so confident of that, as to neglect any devisable precaution that might be adapted to the intermediate period. Holloway diligendy applied himself to the preparing his defence before the lords commissioners. For this purpose he was anxious to consult with and to instruct me, as to the part I had to act: and / I was willing, for the important purpose of defeating the cabal that was formed against my peace, to conform to any instructions, to submit to any labour, and to compose myself to any face and air of sobriety, that might be prescribed. Holloway was also assiduous in the manufacture of deceitful affidavits, and the collecting a suitable portion of false witnesses. The course of the question now to be decided, necessarily brought us to London. Lord Montagu and the other parties were also led to the metropolis by the same consideration.
