In the spring of 1783, the appointment which made his friend Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, excited hopes of more solid advantage; and an increasing family made him feel that he ought not to lose the opportunity of exchanging a life of idleness for one of more active exertion. He therefore wrote a letter to Mr. Wyndham, to which he received the following answer:- "Dear Sir,-You may think it, perhaps, a sufficient attention to your letter, that I answer it by the return of the post; but I have done more for your wishes, by answering them in my own mind before you made them known to me. It happens, very whimsically, that your proposal is just an echo to a wish I was about to express to you (if you will allow me an image, when talking of Irish affairs, that makes the echo come first). From the moment this business was determined (with the determination of which I will not profess myself over happy), having got myself into a scrape, my first thought was, how I might bring my friends in with me; and in that light I had very early designs upon you. Nothing delayed the discovery of my wishes, but some difficulties, not quite removed, respecting the situation I might have to offer you; and some uncertainty of your willingness to accept any offer I might have to make. As the latter of these is now at an end, and no impediment exists in your own likings, other difficulties, I trust, may be got over; and I think I may positively say, that some situation shall be found, which shall afford me the advantage and satisfaction of your company and assistance, with a fair prospect of benefit to yourself. If you, as soon as it is convenient, will come to town, you may be of great immediate use to me; and we can then more conveniently talk of other matters. Yours, with best compliments to Mrs. Repton, May 5. W. W."
