Stratton Street, Dec. 5th, 1788.
MY DEAR LORD,
When I came home yesterday afternoon from the House, I wrote the
enclosed minute of proceedings--a practice I shall continue to
pursue until we meet, for your satisfactory information.
As to news, it consists in the rumour of a general change in
Administration. I confess that so hasty a step as is generally
talked of and believed, comes not within the scope of credit which
my mind is framed to. Political wisdom suggests a multiplicity of
reasons why the Prince of Wales should not act precipitately--nay,
why Mr. Fox, &c., should not act precipitately; unless, indeed, to
embroil the times, and seek occasions of profit and power from
their turbulency and vicissitudes, may be the plot of some
desperate men of the party. Of authorities for intentions of
change, my best is Colonel Stanhope, who, coming from the Duke of
Portland's the day before yesterday, mentioned that the arrangement
of the new Administration was finally settled in everything; but,
"that they had not yet succeeded in persuading the Duke of
Devonshire to go to Ireland."
_A-propos_ of Ireland. Accustomed to speculate on historical
points, the _precedent_ seems to me eventful, indeed, on that side
of the water. The times, indeed, are perilous, and must be met
everywhere with wisdom and firmness. At all times, I am ever, my
dear Lord, in truest affection of friendship, your devoted and
obliged friend, &c.,