St. James's Square, Nov. 21st, 1793.
MY DEAREST BROTHER,
I had already spoken to Pitt upon the idea of G. Nugent's being
appointed one of the aides-de-camp, if the promotion mentioned by
him should take place. I have reason to be sure, that for the
present no idea exists of that promotion. If it had, I should
certainly have pressed his declining the offer of the corps;
because, though that is no absolute bar according to any rule, yet
it may, certainly, in the King's mind, stand in his way; and such
exceptions as Lord Chenton and Lord Rawdon do not prove much. I am
very confident, that, as it is, whatever can be done by Pitt will
be done, if the promotion should hereafter take place; but I am
sure you know that the King's Ministers do not name his
aides-de-camp; and that the pressing such a request, beyond a
certain point, makes difficulties in his mind, instead of removing
them. Besides his wish to oblige you, Pitt is personally
well-disposed towards Nugent, and I have reason to think that Lord
Amherst is so too.
Sir James Murray will, I think, not continue in his present
situation; and the mode of removing him, will probably be by
putting him at the head of some corps; but this is not yet
mentioned to him, and, therefore, I rely on your not speaking of it
to any one else. I do not know whether, in that case, the King will
fill up his place as aide-de-camp, or not; but one vacancy cannot
be expected to make room for Nugent, who is at the end of his year;
besides, the natural claim which Manners has on the King. It is,
therefore, I think, better on the whole, that Nugent should go on
with his corps.
With respect to your lesser army jobs, I say nothing about them,
because I really do not understand them, and am unable to judge of
the facility or difficulty of Lord Amherst's complying with them.
It is useless for me to talk about Pitt's share in all this, though
I certainly do not think it very fair that he should bear on his
shoulders all the grievances of cornetcies and lieutenancies, which
Lord Amherst or any other Commander-in-chief is sure to create.
I have spoken about the _precis_, and you will certainly have them
whenever there is news to send. The army is safe, and I hope quiet,
in its winter quarters. Lord Moira sets out to-morrow morning, and
will find everything ready for him at Portsmouth. You see how right
you was about the impossibility of keeping secret at Portsmouth the
new destination of this force. Luckily, it is so ready, that the
thing itself will take place even now as soon as the news can reach
Paris.
Lord Malmesbury is going to Berlin, to bring our good ally to a
point--ay or no. I think it will end in no.
I certainly will not forget my engagement; and I still hope we
shall find a Saturday and Sunday for Stowe.