My first acquaintance with the Duke of Wellington and the late
Marquess of Londonderry, at a dinner at my own house—Some memoirs
and anecdotes of the former as a public man—My close connexion
with government—Lord Clare’s animosity to me
suspended—Extraordinary conference between Lord Castlereagh, Mr.
Cooke, and me, in August 1798—Singular communication—Offers made
to me for succession as solicitor-general—I decline the terms
proposed—Lord Castlereagh’s letter to me—Character of Mr. Pelham,
now Earl of Chichester 323