St. James's Square, May 18th, 1792.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
The King has charged Dundas with a message to the Chancellor,
stating the necessity he was under of making his option, and
therefore requiring him to give up the Seals, leaving the time to
his choice. The Chancellor is to see the King to-day, and after
that the thing will, I imagine, be immediately announced, though I
hardly think it can take place till the end of the session. Our
present idea is to put the Seals in Commission, with Eyre at the
head, which (with the vacation) will give time for future
arrangements. It is impossible as yet to guess at the success of
those arrangements, but I imagine they would unquestionably be much
facilitated by the sacrifice you so generously offer. I have not,
however, thought myself at liberty to make any use of what you say
on that subject, nor will I, as I think that if you make up your
mind to so very handsome an offer, you ought at least to have the
merit with Pitt of announcing it to him, instead of its having the
appearance of passing in any manner through me.
We shall, I believe, issue the proclamation to-day or to-morrow at
latest, and Friday is, I think, the most likely day for the Address
in the House of Lords; but you shall hear further from me. I say
nothing of that part of the Indian news which _is_ true, as you
will already have seen it in all the papers.
The King has conducted himself towards Pitt in this unpleasant
situation in a manner the most handsome possible, and such as must
leave a lasting impression in our minds. I do not look without
some uneasiness at the increase of personal labour of all sorts
which this will bring upon me; _mais le vin est tire_.
Ever most affectionately yours,
G.