CHAPTER 5. 1782. THE FALL OF LORD NORTH.

Fox's political principles--The fifth Duke of Bedford--A little

dinner--A debate in the Commons--The attack on Lord George Germaine

--Beckford--An evening at Brooks's--Pitt and his friends--Possible

changes in the Cabinet--Faro at White's--A story of the Duke of

Richmond--An address to the King--A levee--Play and politics at

Brooks's--Government and the Opposition--Selwyn and his offices--The

position of the King--Fears of change of administration--The King's

objections to Fox--Probable debates--Political prospects--Debates

and divisions--The fate of the King's friends--Illness of Lord

Morpeth--Annoyance of Selwyn at the state of affairs--Fox and

Selwyn--Fall of Lord North--A new Ministry--Official changes--Fox

and Carlisle--Carlisle's position--Morpeth and Mie Mie.

"The year 1782 is memorable for the fall of Lord

North. It was more than the end of a Ministry, to a great extent it

was the end of the system of personal government by the sovereign."

"The King," wrote Selwyn, on March 27th, "will have no more personal

friends, as Lord Hertford says; there will be no opposition to that

in this new Government, what a cipher his Majesty will be you may

guess." Selwyn had no great respect for the King, and not much

liking for his minister, Lord North. "I see him in no light, but

that of a Minister, and in that I see him full of defects, and of

all men I ever yet sate down to dinner with the most disagreeable.

But he is so, in part from a scholastic, puritanical education, to

which has been superadded the flattery of University parsons, led

captains, and Treasury dependants. Without this, he would have been

a pleasant companion. He has parts, information, and a good share of

real wit, and (is), I believe, not an ill-tempered man by any means.

But with all this, he has un commerce qui me rebute. As to what he

says, or promises, it is sur la foi de Ministre and credat Judeus,

but I never will." (May 15, 1781.)

But like many others Selwyn had grown accustomed to the existing

method of carrying on the government and obtaining majorities in the

House of Commons. He had seen much of political corruption and

official influence, and having no high political standard he had

come to regard the system of George III. and North as normal and

constitutional. He had, too, a fear of a ministry in which Fox and

his friends should take a leading part. In Selwyn's mind Fox was

connected with the wildest gambling and with a carelessness in

regard to monetary obligations which he considered to be almost

criminal. There were many others who shared this opinion: it was one

thing for a gambler to hurry from the card-table in St. James's

Street to the floor of the House of Commons and delight alike

Ministerialists and Opposition by a brilliant attack on the

Government: it was quite another for him to be responsible for the

affairs of the nation. George III. and Lord North were men of

business. Fox was a man of pleasure, and those who were most

intimate with him at the clubs were the last--very often--to desire

to see him a Minister. "From a Pharo table to the headship of the

Exchequer is a transition which appears to me de tenir trop au

Roman, and those who will oppose it the most are those whom he has

been voting with and assisting to ruin this country for the last ten

years at least." Selwyn underrated the need for Fox's great

abilities in office; so powerful a debater could not be used by a

party in opposition only. But he certainly expressed a feeling which

existed in the minds of many.

Selwyn's letters which were written at this crisis give a lively

description of the dismay which the change of Ministry produced

among those who had begun to consider Lord North's Government as a

part of the established order of things. The Court party had hardly

taken the Opposition seriously; there were many who had grown to

suppose that nothing could overturn the individual authority of the

King, and they were puzzled and surprised at the impending changes.

In the first of the following letters there is an account of a

curious academic discussion at Brooks's on the theory of government,

in which Fox took part. Those who listened to him hardly realised

that presently he would be the most important member of a new

government. It would not be easy to find a clearer picture of Fox at

that extraordinary time than is given to us in these letters; the

apprehension and the affection felt by his friends, the contrast

between his social bonhomie and his political fervour is

conspicuously presented. We understand his greatness better when we

see him moving among his contemporaries, good-natured, indifferent

to what was said or thought of him, telling his opinions without

hesitation--a giant among political and intellectual dwarfs.

Again in the midst of the gambling, the supper parties, and the

gaieties of the town, there is the continual sombre shadow of an

important constitutional change--a system and a Cabinet were falling

under the deep resentment of the country. Neither the King, the

Ministry, or its supporters appeared to appreciate that, even in an

age when public opinion was chaotic and often hardly audible, there

must come a time when a day of reckoning was certain for a

Government which had discredited and injured its country.

We see the apprehensions, the personal expectations, the

littlenesses of political society. Then comes the final crash when,

after twelve years of opposition, the Whigs take office, watched

half with fear and half with contempt by those who had been unable

to understand the forces which had produced this inevitable result.

(1782,) Jan. 8, Tuesday.--I did not go to bed this morning till

seven, and got neither drunk, or gamed. The Duke of Rutland,(191)

Charles Fox, Belgiosio (Belgiojoso), Gen. Smith, and I supped at

Brooks's, but it was pure conversation between Charles, the Duke,

and I which lasted so long. Our chief and almost only topic was that

of Government, abstractedly considered, and speculations about what

would be the best for this country; Charles's account of his own

principles in that respect; his persuasion about mine; his Grace's

lessons from Lord Chatham, and commonplace panegyric upon that

unparalleled statesman, and the utility to the public derived from

paying his debts and maintaining his posterity. The principal is,

that hereafter people in employment will be indifferent about the

emoluments of office, persuaded that a grateful country like this

will not suffer the wife and children of great characters to go

unprovided for, or their tradesmen unpaid, and a great deal of this

sublime nonsense.

Charles was infinitely agreeable, or I could not have stayed so

long. A quarrel, he says, had like to have happened at Quinze

between the General and the Fish. The General told the

Ambassador(192)2 how rich he was, and how well the English (meaning,

he said, people of distinction, such as his son) were received both

at Brunswick and at Vienna; lied immoderately about the affairs of

the India Company; and was ten times more at his ease than ever, to

shew Belgiosio that he had the ton de cour. Charles shewed me two of

Brooks's cards; on one he was Dr. 4,400, on another Cr. 11,000

pounds. This was the Rich Bank he belongs to.

(191) Charles, fourth Duke of Rutland, K.G. (1754-1787). He was

Pitt's first Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and died in office at the

opening of a promising political career.

(192) Belgiojoso.

(1782,) Feb. 4, Monday morning.--You will not expect me to give you

so soon any more account of George than I shall have from Sir John

Eden, who intends to go either to-day or to-morrow to Neasdon, and

who will bring me word how he does.

I was at Lord Gower's last night; and I saw there the Duke of

Bedford,(193) who, I must own, surprised me by his figure, beyond

measure; his long, lank, black hair, covering his face, shoulders,

back, neck, and everything, disguised him so that I have yet to know

his figure; I can but guess at his person. Why this singularity at

17 years of age? cela n'indique pas un esprit solide.

They saw the astonishment which this exhibition created in me, and

Lord Gower laughed, and said, "You perhaps do not know who it is?"

Indeed I did not. Je define seulement que sa figure n'est pas laide.

His chevelure was like that which I see in a picture of the grand

Conde. If there is anything of that hid under this disguise je lui

passerai cette singularity and yet, if your sons or either of them

should have all which Monsieur le Prince possessed, and Colbert too,

I had rather that they would not be singular. It may divert, but can

never add to the respect which they might otherwise have.

I went with Lord Trentham to the Speaker's, and returned to Lord

G(ower), but had no conversation either with him or the Countess.

When they go to Neasdon, I hope that they will carry me with them.

When George meets me, he accosts me with these words, "Quomodo vale

(sic) my petite sodale;" ou il a peche cette plaisanterie I do not

know. His namesake, Lord G. Germain,(194) is to kiss hands this

morning for the title and peerage of Sackville. Drayton, it seems,

goes to the Beauclerks, if he becomes Duke of Dorset and has that

estate.

My dinner yesterday with Fawkener and Warner at Mr. Crespigni's was

a very agreeable one indeed; la chere plutot bonne quexquise;

excellent vin. You will not forget Warner, I hope, when the

opportunity offers, afin qu'il soit dans le cas d'en tirer de sa

propre cave. We generally close the evening around the fire in the

card room at White's, a forte feu de fraix; Williams, Lord

Ashburnham, Vary, Fawkener, etc.; that is, those who either sup,

game, or sit up. The season of all that is over with me, and I have

little inclination left for either of them. I am quite well, vu mon

age, and as likely to see you again as any other who is a

sexagenaire, et meme davantage. It is the chief part of my Litanie.

I talked of Caroline last night with Lady Ann, till I could ask no

more questions about her. I am glad that her dancing is admired. We

have here Mademoiselle Theodore, who takes Mr. Willis'(?) place till

the season is over. She has half a guinea a lesson, but it is to

stay an hour. There is a good account of Johnson's prices, but he

himself is gone to Lisbon to be married; whether that will be a

prize, is a Scavoir. That of the Duke of Newcastle's(195) (sic) is

already condemned, at least by his Grace, but he nuptie sunt vere

nevertheless. Lord Cornwallis is, I believe, going to inhabit my

house till midsummer. That has been a heavy charge upon my hands,

instead of a profit.

(193) Francis Russell, fifth Duke of Bedford (1765-1802)5 succeeded

his grandfather in 1771. He was badly educated, indifferent to

public opinion, liberal and independent in political views, a

consistent follower of Fox. In later life he showed great interest

in the advancement of agriculture, by practice and experiment.

(194) See note (196) to letter of Feb. 8 below.

(195) Thomas, third Duke of Newcastle (1752-1795). He married in

this year, the second daughter of the Earl of Harrington.

We have now nearly reached the climax of the political interest and

excitement which had been growing greater since the memorable

session of 1781 began. To appreciate the letters which follow, it is

necessary to bear in mind some of the main parliamentary incidents

of this particular period. On February 7, 1782, the House of Commons

resolved itself into a Committee to inquire into the present state

of naval affairs. Fox in an elaborate speech reviewed their course

for the preceding five years, and concluded by moving "that there

has been gross mismanagement of the naval affairs of Great Britain

during the course of the year 1781." The supporters of the

Government were as little satisfied with the administration of the

navy as the Opposition, and the debate, which was concluded by

another remarkable speech from Fox, resulted in a virtual defeat of

the Administration. The Opposition were in a minority only of 18

votes. On February 22nd a different ground was chosen by the

Opposition for their attack, General Conway moving an address that

the war in America should no longer be pursued. The noticeable

change in the feeling in the House of Commons, crammed as it was by

place-men, is clearly exemplified by the result of the division. On

this occasion the Government were only able to defeat the Opposition

by one vote, 194 to 193. On February 27th a similar address was

again moved by Conway and an attempt by the Government to adjourn

the debate was defeated by 234 to 215 votes. The address was then

carried without a division. Selwyn looking at events from what was,

politically speaking, a somewhat non-party point of view, is

obviously puzzled as to how the crisis would end. He tells us, too,

of the formation of a group of young politicians under Pitt. He

ascribes to the future Prime Minister the organisation of a party,

though hitherto these meetings at Goosetree's have been regarded

chiefly as social gatherings.

(1782,) Feb. 8, Friday, the Fast Day.--We were not up last night

till near three this morning; our numbers were 205 and 183. Our

majority was but mince, but it was a popular Question, but Lord

Sandwich is not a popular man; but I have lived long enough to have

remembered other ministers less popular, if possible, and who have

been since reverenced, and by the most respectable among those who

had traduced them. Charles made two speeches; the last was much

animated. Admiral Keppell spoke, and so did Sir E. Dering, drunk,

sicut suus mos est; but he says in that ivresse des verites vertes

et piquantes. He is a tiresome noisy fool, and I wish that he never

spoke anywhere but in the House of Commons.

Saturday.--I was prevented from continuing this letter yesterday, by

a visit from Lord Digby, who assured me that to the best of his

judgment you had nothing to fear from that quarter which has now and

then alarmed me not a little. I dined at Lord Ash[burnham's]: Lord

Frederick, Williams, Sir J. Peachy(?) and old(?) Elison. I do not

perceive that Lord Carm(arthen) has got any repu(ta)tion from his

violence against Lord George.(196) The attack surprised, (and) had

not been concerted with anybody; he had revealed his design but to

one, as he said, and that I am told was Lord Pembroke, une tete

digne de cette confidence.

It was a Motion cruel and ill-mannered, and not becoming one man of

quality to another; at the same time an unpardonable insult to the

Crown. Lord de Ferrars, I hear, has found out a precedent for it, as

he thinks, in King James 1st('s) time, but a precedent of what? of

ins(o)lence to the Crown; it was in that reign begun, with impunity.

If there could be any hesitation in this peerage, this motion must

have confirmed it.

Lord Abingdon spoke like a perfect blackguard, and Lord Shellbourne,

in a speech which Lord Cov(entry) calls such a model of perfect

oratory, to exemplify the contempt which the late King had of Lord

George, quoted not only his own words, but imitated his manner--two

of his grand-children, the Princes, in the House. This part of his

speech was a pantomime fitter for the treteaux des boulevards than

for a chamber of Parliament. However, Lord George will take his seat

next week, and what he will do, or be, afterwards, God knows.

Ellis(197) has his place.

Poor General Fraser died of an emetic, which occasioned the bursting

of a vessel. Lord Talbot has had another warning, and so has Lord R.

Bertie, and neither can live long. I was last night at Lady Lucan's,

to see young Beckford,(198) who seems to possess very extraordinary

talents; he is a perfect master of music, but has a voice, either

natural or feigned, of an eunuch. He speaks several languages with

uncommon facility, and well, but has such a mercurial turn, that I

think he may finish his days aux petites maisons; his person and

figure are agreeable. I did not come till late, and till he had

tired himself with all kind of mimicry and performances. The Duchess

of Bedford [was] there, and Lady Clermont. There is a picture

engraving at the man's house in St. James's Street where your

picture is to be engraved. His design is ingenious; it is the story

of Pharaoh's daughter finding Moses in the bullrushes. The Princess

Royal is introduced as Pharaoh's daughter, and all the other ladies,

celebrated for their beauty--the Duchess of Devonshire, Lady Jersey,

etc. etc.; on briguera les places. The portraits will be originals,

and the whole, if well executed, will be a very pretty print. I

would have a pendent to it; and that should be of Pharo's sons,

where might be introduced a great many of our friends, and

acquaintance, from the other side of the Street. I am so taken up

with business this morning, that I did not endeavour to make a party

with Lord Gower to go and see George. Gregg has wrote me word that

he shall ride that way to-morrow.

(196) Lord George Sackville Germaine, on his resignation of the

Secretaryship of the Colonies, was, in February, 1782, created a

peer as Viscount Sackville of Drayton Manor, Northampton. Thereupon

the Marquis of Carmarthen brought forward a motion in the House of

Lords that it was derogatory to the honour of the House that any

person under the censure of a court martial should be raised to the

Peerage. The motion was defeated, but was repeated on February

18th after Lord Sackville had taken his seat. Though personal in its

form, this was simply a Parliamentary attack on the Ministry and the

Crown. Sackville had at the battle of Minden, in 1759, disobeyed the

orders of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, the commander-in-Chief, by

refusing to advance with the cavalry. In the following year he was

dismissed by court martial from the army. The use made of an event

more than twenty years old illustrates the temper of the Opposition.

The subject is referred to in a subsequent letter, see p. 198.

(197) Welbore Ellis, appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies

March 8, 1782.

(198) William Beckford (1759-1844), son of the well-known member of

Parliament and Lord Mayor. As a boy of nine, he came into possession

of a property of a million. "Neither his genius nor his fortune

yielded what they would have produced to a wiser and better man.

. . . Hardly any other man has produced such masterpieces with so

little effort." He was the author of "Vathek," an Oriental romance,

and other works. He was an enthusiastic collector, and he made

Fonthill, where he lived in later life in eccentric seclusion, a

complete museum.

(1782,) Feb. 19, Tuesday morning.--I wish that I could repeat and

describe, as well as I can hear and attend to what is said to me,

when people speak sense and to the purpose, and are not trying to

mislead you. When I went to Brooks's it was in search of the

Duke;(199) there I found him at dinner, altercating Lord Sackville's

cause, and Stirling, with Charles, Lord Derby, &c., &c. You may

imagine with what candour and fairness his arguments were received.

I am, it is certain, a friend to him, and not to Charles, but all

partiality or prejudice laid aside, I think my friend as good a

reasoner as the other; but one employs his faculties in the search

of truth, and the other in disguising it and substituting falsehood

in its room, to serve the purpose of Party.

I soon left them and went to White's; I like the society there

better. There was a dinner also for the Lords, and there was Lord

Loughborough, Lord Buckingham, Duke of Dorset, Lord Cov(entry), Lord

Ash(burnham), &c., &c., &c. I stayed with Lord Loughborough, Lord

Ash(burnharn), and Lord Cov(entry) till past two this morning. The

Duke changed his court and came to us, to plead in the common pleas,

but with us there was no dispute. There was one who would have

disputed if he could, which was Cov(entry), but Lord Loughborough

has such a variety of incontestable facts concerning the affair of

Minden, the opinions of foreign officers relative to P(rince)

Ferd(inand's) whole conduct in respect of Lord George, the faction

and partiality and injustice in the proceedings of the court

martial, with so many arguments and precedents against the Question

of yesterday, that poor Cov(entry) had not a word to say but that he

had been soliciting privately--which I do not credit--the Lords in

Opposition not to bring on this question, which at the same time he

rejoiced at. Lord Ash[burnham] is among many others one whom

Cov(entry) is practising constantly his astucity upon, and whom he

thinks that he deceives. I was extremely entertained.

I have no liking and esteem for Lord Sack(ville), or ever had, any

more than acquaintance with him, but from the first to the last I

have believed that he has been sacrificed to the implacable

resentment of P(rince) Ferd(inand), the late Duke of Cumb(erlan)d,

and the late King, helped on by all the private malice and flattery

in the world; and all which I heard last night, of which I cannot

have the least doubt, confirms me in that opinion. I am clear in

nothing concerning his personal merit, or defects, excepting of his

abilities, and when these could be of any use to Party, they were

extolled, and his imperfections forgot. He was invited to take a

share in Government by the people who think, or have pretended to

think, him a disgrace to the peerage.

I am sorry for it, but Lord Carm(arthen)(200) has in all this made

but a miserable figure. I am sorry, from wishing well towards him,

that I had not been apprised of this. I could have assured him of

what even the best of his own party would think of his Motion, after

it was made. I know that Lord Cambden(201) was strongly in his

private opinion against it. [The] Lord Chancellor(202) spoke out I

hear; his speech was admirable, en tous points; and upon the whole,

I believe Lord Sackville to have been infinitely more served than

hurt by this proceeding.

I saw on Brooks's table a letter directed to you from Hare, so I

hope that it was to give you an account of these things, partial or

impartial. I have no doubt but his account will be an amusing one. I

left him in his semicircular nitch at the Pharo table, improving his

fortune every deal. I wish Monsieur Mercier would come here and

write a Tableau de Londres as he has that of Paris, and that he

would take for his work some anecdotes with which I could furnish

him.

It is thought that we shall be run hard in the House to-morrow. And

so we shall, but we shall not be beat, as Charles gives out, and

does not believe. I suppose our majority will be about twenty.

Absentees in the last Question on both sides will now appear. I hope

that Government will send two Yeomen of the Guard to carry the Fish

down in his blankets, for he pretends to have the gout. He should be

deposited sur son maniveau, and be fairly asked his opinion, and

forced to give it, one way or the other, en pleine assemble, for at

present it is only we who can tell s'il est chair ou poisson. . . .

(199) Of Queensberry.

(200) See note (82).

(201) Charles Pratt, Earl Camden (1713-1794). Lord Chancellor in

1766; the friend of Pitt (Lord Chatham).

(202) Thurlow.

(1782, Feb. 19?) Tuesday night, 8 o'clock.--I saw Lord R. Spencer

and Lord Ossory to-day, who tell me that they suppose that we shall

carry the Question by ten, if the Question is put; but it is

imagined rather by them that the Ministers will give it up. Ellis

has added another footman to his chariot, and is a Minister in form,

and fact, and pomp, and everything. Lady Ossory is just come to

town. Lord Clarendon has wrote a copy of verses upon Lord

Salisbury's Ball, which the Essex's are so kind as to hand about for

him. The verses are not numerous. There are not above two stanzas,

and not good enough to suppose that they had been composed even in

his sleep; so much nonsense and obscurity and want of measure and

harmony I never saw in any composition before. But as they love to

laugh at his Lordship in that family, so, as he had the absurdity to

communicate them, they are determined that they shall not be

suppressed. . . .

Weltie's Club(203) is going to give a masquerade like that given by

the Tuesday Night's Club. I hear that all the different parties in

Opposition are determined to draw together in this Question, how

much soever they may differ afterwards, in hopes, I suppose, by

their united force, to destroy this Administration. Young Pitt has

formed a society of young Ministers, who are to fight under his

banner, and these are the Duke of Rutland, Mr. Banks, Lord Chatham,

&c., &c., and they assemble at Goostree's.(204)

To-morrow no post goes, as I am told, and on Thursday Storer shall

give you an account of what will have passed in the House; he will

do that better than I can. He attends at his Board very exactly. You

have done a great thing for him, and no one seems more sensible of

it. Lord Cov(entry) would have persuaded me to-day that things were

going very ill in Ireland, but till I hear it from you I shall not

believe it. All my accounts hitherto have had a different tendency.

I hear from one quarter that a change of some sort in Administration

is determined upon, and that the Chancellor has the task of

composing those jarring atoms to prevent the King's Cabinet from

being stormed. That Lord Shellbourne will be taken in, de quelque

maniere ou d'autre. Storming a Cabinet is a phrase coined in my

time, to express what I cannot pretend to say that I do not

understand, but how the fact is practicable, invito rege, will be

for ever a mystery to me, and if it happens with his consent I am

yet to learn how the Cabinet is storm(ed). I will never believe but

if a prince very early in his reign had a mind to set a mark upon

those who distinguish themselves in Opposition with that view, he

would never have the thin(g) attempted. It may be necessary to

change measures and men, but why it is necessary that particular men

must be fixed upon you, whether you will [or] not, I do not

conceive, nor will ever admit as [a] possibility, while the Laws and

Constitution remain as they are; so with this I wish you a good

night.

(203) Weltzie's Club was at No. 63, St. James's Street. Weltzie was

House Steward to the Prince of Wales, by whom the Club was

established, in opposition to Brooks's.

(204) This club was at No. 5, Pall Mall, which was occupied by

Almack's before it was taken over by Brooks' in 1778, and removed to

St. James's Street. Goosetree's was quite a small club, of about

twenty-five members, of whom Pitt was the chief.

(1782, Feb.) 26, Tuesday m(orning), 11 o'clock.--. . . . I went last

night, after the children were in their beds, to White's, and stayed

there till 12. The Pharo party was amusing. Five such beggars could

not have met; four lean crows feeding on a dead horse. Poor Parsons

held the bank. The punters were Lord Carmarthen, Lord Essex, and one

of the Fauquiers; and Denbigh sat at the table, with what hopes I

know not, for he did not punt. Essex's supply is from his son, which

is more than he deserves, but Malden, I suppose, gives him a little

of his milk, like the Roman lady to her father.

A very large company yesterday at Lord Rocking(ham's). The whole

Party pretends to be confident of their carrying the Question

to-morrow, if people are properly managed and collected. I do not

believe it, but they do. The main point will not be more advanced in

my opinion.

(1782,) March 1, Friday.--George seems so well today that there does

not seem wanting the coup de peigne. I have not heard a cough

to-day. We have been walking. It is the finest day that ever was,

and we are going in the coach to meet one part of His Majesty's

faithful Commons, who go to Court at two o'clock with their Address.

People are either so close, cautious, or ignorant, that among those

I converse with I can be informed of nothing which is to happen in

consequence of the last majority. It may be nothing at present, but

the Opposition is in great glee, to judge from their countenance. I

shall know before I sit down to dinner not only the K(ing's) answer,

but the manner of the answer also.

Lord Ossory is this morning gone to the Levee, and others of his

sort, I suppose, with a design to countenance and spread the credit

of their coming in. Fish, as I hear, doubles and trebles all his

flattery to Charles, and now and then throws in a compliment to Lord

N(orth), not being quite sure of what may happen, and then adds, "In

that respect I will do him justice; I do not think better even of

Charles, as to that"; and goes on in this style till the whole room

is in a laugh.

But now I have a story to tell you of his Grace the Duke of

Richmond.(205) Lord Rawdon, I hear, came over from Ireland for no

earthly reason but to oblige his Grace to a recantation of what he

had said in the H(ouse) of L(ords) about Haines. He wrote to him

here a very civil but a very peremptory letter, and at last Lord

Ligonier(206) went to him, at Lord Rawdon's request, with the words

wrote down which his Grace was to use, on his subject. At first the

Duke hesitated, but Lord L. said that he recommended it to him to

read it over carefully, and then decide; that he was limited as to

time, and hinted that, upon a refusal, he should be obliged to come

with another message. The Duke complied very judiciously, and a

speech was made accordingly; and Lord Huntingdon was present, and

heard justice done to his relation. The Duke was conscious of the

part which he was forced to take by what he said to Lord Lothian and

to Lord Amhurst; and this, as I am told, is the third time that his

Grace has been compelled to make these amendes honorables. I am glad

to have heard this, because so much mechancete deserves this

humiliation. It may be that in telling me the story, it was

aggravated, but I believe the fond of it to be true, and that his

Grace deserves this and ten times more, and so probably Mr. Bates

will directly or indirectly let him know.

Saturday morning.--Mr. Walpole came to me last night, as

George and I were playing together at whist with two dummies (for

Mie Mie and Mrs. W(ebb) were gone to her dancing academy), and he

stayed with me till near eleven; so I was obliged, finding it so

late, only to scrawl out three words to let you know that the little

boy was quite well. . . .

I do not find upon discourse anything exaggerated in the least in

regard to his Grace. Lord L(igonier), to those to whom he chooses to

talk upon this subject, is very explicit, and from these I had it.

It was the same with Mr. Clavering and Colonel Cunning(ham). Now for

the Address. I saw all these brouillons and their adherents go by;

that starved weasel, Charles Turner, in his coach, grinning and

squinting: Wilkes(207) in his; Charles F(ox) and Ossory, laughing in

Charles's chariot, a gorge deployee. They were not detained long.

The King beheld them come up the room with a very steady

countenance, and one which expressed a good deal of firmness. I have

been told by several that he is shrunk, and does not look well. I

have heard that the Chan(cellor) sat up with him the other night,

and till five in the morning. Of this I know nothing.

He made them the only answer which he could, in my opinion, have

made with any propriety, had he been less displeased than he has

reason to be with these people. But he laid such an emphasis upon

the words, "By the means which shall seem to me the most

conducive," &c., &c., that the answer was by no means acceptable, or

the reception; and what will follow from it and what (be) voted upon

it, the Lord knows.

Next week will be one of bustle, and I will beg Storer to be

circumstantial in all he relates to you of the House of Commons, as

I shall myself, as far as it shall come to my knowledge.

At the Levee Charles presented an Address from Westminster. The King

took it out of his hand without deigning to give him a look even, or

a word; he took it as you would take a pocket handkerchief from your

valet de chambre, without any mark of displeasure or attention, or

expression of countenance whatever, and passed it to his

lord-in-waiting, who was the Duke of Queensberry. It was the same

with Sir Jos(eph) Mawbey. He spoke to none but one word, and it was

inevitable, to Admiral Kepple, who had bouche son passage. When he

was upon the throne the Chancellor was at his right hand, and

looking with such a countenance as affords to the people of Brooks's

much occasion of abuse. Arnold(208) was behind the throne. The King

looked much displeased with Mr. Conway, the mover, at the right hand

of the Speaker.

I do not find that they expect any immediate changes to follow from

this, but so various is the discourse at White's and at Brooks's

among themselves, that it is difficult to collect anything which is

worth recording.

I went last night to Brooks's, and stayed with them all after

supper, on purpose to hear their discourse, which is with as

little reserve before me as if I was one of their friends. Charles

says that it was some comfort to him to have frightened them, at

least; but he was so candid to me as to own that from the beginning

of this emeute he could not perceive in me the least expression of

fear or disquietude whatever, and that, to be sure, he did not like.

The truth is, I have made up my mind to whatever shall happen. I

wish the King to be master, and he may be so, if he pleases, I am

confident, and all whom I saw at Brooks's last night anneantis as

politicians, if he will stand but firm upon the ground on which he

now is.

Sir G. Cooper(209) tells me that two only were lost by the

disappointment of the Loan. Several Scotch members went off, for

reasons but too apparent, and which justified but too much the

character given of them. Mr. W. lays this upon Rigby's agitated,

restless humour and intrigue, but how much he has contributed to

this bustle I am sure I cannot tell. If I was in his circumstances,

I should not be disposed to hazard any change.

The Taxes, which were to come on on Monday, are put off till

Wednesday. Questions will be followed by questions, but all will not

be carried by a majority against Government, if the King expresses

an inclination to yield as to measures and to be resolute as to men.

I own that to see Charles closeted every instant at Brooks's by one

or the other, that he can neither punt or deal for a quarter of an

hour but he is obliged to give an audience, while Hare is whispering

and standing behind him, like Jack Robinson, with a pencil and paper

for mems., is to me a scene la plus parfaitement comtque que l'on

puisse imaginer, and to nobody it seems most [more] risible than to

Charles himself.

What he and his friends would really do with me, if they had me in

their power, I cannot say, but they express in their looks and words

nothing which I can fairly interpret to proceed from ill-will. I

have been lately not so contentious or abusive as formerly, no more

than I have flattered them, and my appearance among them is from

mere curiosity, and to amuse you by my recitals more than from any

other motive.

(205) Charles Lennox, third Duke of Richmond (1735-1806). He was a

Whig of strong liberal opinions. In 1782 he joined Lord

Rockingham's Cabinet as Master General of the Ordnance. He

resigned office when Fox and North came into power in 1782. In 1783,

on the fall of the Coalition Ministry, he joined Pitt's first

Administration, from which time his opinions grew more conservative.

In 1795 he gave up office but continued to give an independent

support to Pitt. Richmond's handsome person, high station, love and

patronage of the fine arts, and his political ambition and capacity,

combined to make him one of the first men of the time.

(206) Edward, Earl Ligonier, died 1782, of the Irish peerage, and

a general in the English army. His grandfather was a native of

France, and a Huguenot. His uncle was Marshal Lord Ligonier.

(207) John Wilkes (1727-1797). He first made use of the power of the

press in politics. In 1782 his election for Middlesex Was finally

pronounced by Parliament to be valid.

(208) Benedict Arnold (1741-1801). Arnold, after brilliant military

services on behalf of the revolted Colonists, had entered, in 1780,

into negotiations with General Clinton to give up to the English

commander the position of West Point with its stores. Major Andre

was sent to him on behalf of the English general. Arnold's treachery

was discovered, and he had barely time to escape to a British sloop.

In 1782, after being given the rank of Brigadier-General in the

English army, he came to London.

(209) Sir Grey Cooper, died 1801, one of the Secretaries of the

Treasury from 1765 to 1782, and again under the Coalition Ministry.

Noted for his administrative ability and accurate knowledge on

questions of finance.

The correspondence must again be interrupted to continue the

narrative of the parliamentary struggle. On receipt of the King's

answer to the Address which, it has already been stated, was carried

without a division, Conway moved another hostile resolution, to the

effect that those who should advise the further prosecution of the

American war should be considered enemies of the country. This was

also carried without a division, but Lord North still remained in

office.

On March 8th, therefore, the attack was renewed, Lord John Cavendish

bringing forward a resolution which concluded with the words, "That

the chief cause of all these misfortunes has been the want of

foresight and ability in his Majesty's Ministers." The Government

were still able to depend on their place-holders, and averted a

direct defeat by carrying the order of the day by ten votes.

The Opposition was as obstinate in assault as the King--for it was

virtually he against whom the attacks of Fox and his friends were

being pressed--was in defence, and on the 15th of March a direct

resolution of want of confidence was only defeated by nine votes.

Notice was promptly given of a renewal of the struggle on March

20th, but when that day arrived Lord North came down to the House of

Commons and announced the resignation of the Government. It was one

of the momentous declarations in English history. It virtually

proclaimed the independence of the American colonies and the

beginning of a new epoch of ministerial responsibility to the House

of Commons. Among the frequenters of St. James's Street the first

thought was how would their own political fortunes be affected.

Fox's declaration that an end had come to a political system was

received with incredulity. To Selwyn it was a time at once of

annoyance and interest. He feared for his sinecure offices; he had,

as has been already pointed out, grown accustomed, like many others,

to the Administration of the King and Lord North. He had no personal

liking for the fallen Minister, and he had watched the career of Fox

from boyhood with mingled admiration and disgust. He could not

realise him as a Minister.

(1782,) March 6, Wednesday morning.--I told you, in my letter of

Monday, that I should Write to you yesterday, and so I should have

done, if there had anything come to my knowledge more than what you

see in all the public papers, and which must be of equal date with

my letter.

What conversation I have with the people at Brooks's or White's upon

these matters is really not worth putting down. Those who are out,

and wanting the places of those who are in, either for themselves or

for their friends, talk a language which has much more of phrensy in

it than common sense, which, in the most rational and the best

tempered, seems as much out of sight, as the spirit of the

Constitution itself.

You will laugh at my mentioning that, because you will not conceive

that I understand it; perhaps I do not, but I perfectly remember how

(I) have heard and read it described to be, and it is as different

from what our present Patriots or Whigs represent it, as the

Government of the Grand Senior (Signer).

Poor Fitz(willia)m, whom I really love on many accounts, held me in

conversation last night, his brother only being present. I do not

know if he was in earnest, but I suppose that he was. He had worked

himself up to commiserate the state of this country, nay, that of

the King himself, [so] that I expected every instant that his heart

would have burst; but to speak more to my passions, he lamented, in

the terms the most attendrissants, your situation, and how much your

pride, and feelings of every kind, must be hurt, and that for no

estate upon earth he would be in your perilous state.

I begged for a little light, and to know if there was a possibility

of salvation in any position in which our affairs could be placed.

He asked me then with the utmost impetuosity, what objection I had

to Lord Rockfingham(210) being sent for. You may be pretty sure that

if I had any, I should not have made it. I contented myself with

asking how he intended to begin his operations, to which I was

answered in two Latin words, de nova.

If that should be, and the in nova fert animus should take place, we

must as individuals be meta[mor]phosed indeed, and what will become

of the public neither he, Burke, Charles, or any one of the

Cavendishes I suppose knows or cares. But I think that Lord

N(orth's) peremptory assurance of yesterday, together with the

King's strong expressions of resentment for the manner in which he

has been treated, may suspend all this nonsense for the present, and

leave us at leisure to regret something of more essential

consequence to the public than whether Charles and Hare live in St.

James's Street, or at the Treasury.

To-day we have the Taxes, which are heavy enough of themselves

without all the speeches made to oppose them; to-morrow I know

nothing of; and on Friday we shall have another trial of skill

between the Privileges of the Crown and the Prerogative of the

People. In the meantime there is in the larder the loss of Minorca

and of St. Kit's,(211) with good hopes of further surrenders, to

feed our political discontent, and private satisfaction. I have a

new relation, as you know, that is the most zealous Constitutionist,

according to his own notions, that ever was, and he has honoured me

lately with very long conferences; ma porte ne lui est jamais

refusee, cela s'entend. But I can only ask questions for

information, and even my doubts or ignorance are not acceptable, but

we part always upon very good terms, because I always appear

attentive, and so he presumes that of course I must be more

instructed than when he came to me.

Charles has attempted more than once to feel my pulse, but finding

them (sic) beat pretty much as usual, he augurs no good from it. I

have only desired, if they are resolved to turn me out, to have

three months' warning, that I may get into another place, which I

shall certainly have if I go with the same character which I had in

my last. I am sober, and honest, and have no followers, and although

I used to be out at nights and play at the alehouse, I have now left

it off.

I was asked last night at Lady Buckingham's, and am ashamed of my

laziness in not going. I dine with his Lordship on Saturday, and

to-day I am going with Mie Mie and Mrs. W(ebb) to Mr. Gregg's, who

has got a little ball for a dozen children of her age, because it is

the birthday of one of his own.

Arnold's being behind the King's chair when the Address came up has

given great offence. They will not suffer soon an enemy to the

Americans to come into the guard room. I think that Arnold might as

well have paired off with Laurens;(212) it would have conciliated

matters much more.

. . . Poor Lady H(ertfor)d['s] civilities in inviting so many of the

Opposition to her Ball, afford a great deal of mirth. Charles did

not go; he has not leisure for those trifles. Hare and Lord Robert

have the drudgery of dealing between them. Your kinsman Walker is a

cul de plomb at the table, and has lost, I believe, both his eyes

and fortune at it. He seems so blind as not to see the card which is

before him. Keene seems to have surrendered in his mind this

forteresse, so I take for granted that he knows how little a while

it will last.

I wish I could know at this moment for a certainty what is to become

of you and me. I talked long with Gregg about this when Storer had

left us. It is my opinion, from all I hear of your circumstances and

my own, that we shall be both reduced to 2,000 a year each, and as

great as the inequality is between us in all other respects, in that

we shall be equal, and the alternative is to submit to the terms

imposed by the new people, which may be very humiliating to us both.

If you are not an object of their justice, of their esteem, and

respect, you will, I am sure, not consent to be one of their mercy

only. I shall feel the deprivation of two parts out of three of my

income, but I hope that I shall have enough left for Mie Mie's

education, and to supply possible losses to her in other respects.

If I do that, and am lodged up two pair of stairs in a room at half

a guinea a week, as I was when I lodged with Lord Townshend and Lord

Buckingham in 1744 or 5, I will never utter an impatient word about

le retour de mon sort, whatever injustice may have been done me. If

the storm falls upon you only, I am willing that you should avail

yourself of anything in my situation, by which you can be assisted.

But I shall never bear with patience the insults which I know would

be offered to you, if these people had their terms, in their full

extent.

The King, I hear, is in good spirits, and went yesterday to Windsor

to hunt, so I hope he knows that he is in a better situation than I

fancy him to be. If it is not so, and he can make up his mind to it,

I must envy him his insensibility. But I think that if he had one

atom of it, and heard a hundredth part of what I hear from those who

are forcing themselves into his councils, he would lose his Crown,

and his life too, rather than submit to it. It is better certainly

to be kicked out of the world than kicked as long as you live [in]

it, whatever his Grace may think. But the Duke intended to insult,

and not to be obliged to apologise.

A peace, I find, of some sort is negotiating with Mr. Adams.(213)

Lord Cov(entry) dropped hints of a great deal which he knew of this

matter, but could not reveal. No credit seemed to be given yesterday

at dinner, either to his intelligence or credit with the new people,

and he had a very dissatisfied look. Two of the Bedchamber are to be

left, Lord Ailesford and the Duke of Queensberry, but the Duke's

other place will be annihilated.

The Duke of R(ichmond) affects to say that he will take nothing, and

when this is repeated there is a laugh, thinking how suddenly his

Grace is changed, for lately he took anything, and what no man

living would have taken but himself; he has met with more of this at

Chichester. His pride must have suffered of late immensely. Lord

Huntingdon dined with us yesterday, and we had the whole story en

detail, from the beginning to the end. Mr. Bates pines in his

confinement for a sight of the papers; it will not be long, I

daresay, before his resentment is gratified.

It is certainly a great consolation to me, in this trouble and

public disgrace to the King, and private distress to myself and to

you, that you stand, as you do, upon such high ground in point of

reputation; not a mouth is open against you, not a person but is

ready to say, that no one ever executed a great office so becomingly

or so judiciously as you have done. But I am afraid not of your

conduct, but of your decline, and therefore wish for a timely

retreat if possible. That others may repent of it, is true, but a

good man and one who meant the good of his country only would never

wish to have Administration pass out of your hands into those of

such a calf as they now talk of.(214) But things must have their

course; they are grievous to me, but not unlooked for.

If I had had any conception that this storm would have come so soon,

I could have supported it with less embarrassment; but I must now

bear up against it, as well as I can, and so must you, for si tout

sera perdu, horsmais votre honneur, there is no help for it. Le Roi

ne s'est pas encore rendu.

As to Ireland, you have passed over that subject very slightly with

me, but the approaching troubles or danger of them could not be a

secret from me long. As accounts were exaggerated, so I was in hope

no part of them were (was) true, but it is manifest to me now, from

what I hear, that there are materials in that country for the

greatest confusion, tot ou tard. There is a spirit of independency,

and impatience of Government, and an aversion to rule, which has

infected every part of his Majesty's dominions. It is to me

wonderful that with all this he preserves his health, for to public

distress is added the utmost degree of domestic infelicity, and no

prospect of a change for the better.

Charles did not go to Lady Hertford's ball last night, although

invited, in so distinguishing a manner. The Duke of Devonshire told

him that twenty ladies had kept themselves disengaged in hopes of

having him for a partner. Mie Mie goes to-night to the Theodores'

benefit, with Lady Craufurd and Lady something Aston. I shall stay

at home with George and get Fawkner to be her beau, if I can. I

could not parry this off, but am in pain about it.

(214) The Duke of Portland, who subsequently succeeded Lord Carlisle

as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.

(1782,) March 12, Tuesday.--. . . . Dr. Ekins and I dined yesterday

at Lord Gower's, when I received your letter of the 6th, and Lady G.

one from Lady Carlisle. Lord G. and I had a good deal of discourse

on the present state of things, but my curiosity led to know chiefly

how any alterations would affect you in your present situation. He

seemed to think not at all. What may become of Storer, of me, or of

John St. J(ohn) is another thing. These people, by long opposition,

hunger, and engagements, are become very ravenous; and Charles, as

far as he should be concerned, I am persuaded, would have no

consideration upon earth but for what was useful to his own ends.

You have heard me say that I thought that he had no malice or

rancour; I think so still, and am sure of it. But I think that he

has no feeling, neither, for any one but himself; and if I could

trace in any one action of his life anything that had not for its

object his own gratification, I should with pleasure receive the

intelligence, because then I had much rather (if it was possible)

think well of him, than not. However, I am inclined to believe, that

whenever there is anything like a settlement in Government, he will

find himself disappointed and mortified, and he will then see that

he has been doing other people's work, and not his own.

Brooks's is at present a place open to great speculation and

amusement and curiosity, and I go there and talk there, but it is

without heat, or anything which makes it in any respect disagreeable

to myself or others. If that was not my temper I should not go among

them. Boothby said last night to me, that he thought that they were

not so cock-a-hoop, as he phrased it, and Lord G[ower] said that he

believed, what may be true, that they become frightened at their own

success. It is much easier to throw things into confusion than to

settle them to one's own liking. Troubled waters are good to fish

in, it is true, but sometimes in searching for a fish you draw up a

serpent. I have much more admiration of Charles's talents than

opinion of his judgment or conduct.

(1782,) March 13, Wednesday m(orming).--Two packets of mine were

sent yesterday to the messenger who was, as Sir S. Portine told me,

to set out for Ireland last night at nine. I intended to have sent

another by the post; but I had not materials enough, and I found

myself indisposed with my cold, and could do nothing but drink tea

by the fireside at White's.

The story of St. Christopher's tells well at the outset, and gives

me at least, who am sanguine, great hopes, but the Opposition still

is incredulous as to good news, and the same intelligence which they

dispute the authenticity of to-day, would be, to-morrow, if they

were in place, clear as proofs of Holy Writ, clearer indeed than

those are to the greatest part among them.

I was assured last night, that the King is so determined, as to

Charles, that he will not hear his name mentioned in any overtures

for a negotiation, and declares that the proposal of introducing him

into his councils is totally inadmissible. I should not be surprised

if this was true in its fullest extent. I can never conceive that a

King, unless he and his Government differ from all others, can do

otherwise.

Friday is our great day of struggle; some changes I should think

must be, but Denbigh,(215) who is a good calculator as to numbers,

says that we shall have eight more than last time. That will make

but a paltry majority; however, if it be so, we shall brush on, I

suppose, live upon expedients, and hope for a more favourable

crisis; and then we shall be soon prorogued, and so give time for an

arrangement in which our poor master will have better terms.

I said to Sir S. Portine yesterday, by way of conversation, that I

wished you was here to take the seals. He said that undoubtedly you

might have them, when you came over, and so I suppose you may. But I

am sure it is not the station (in) which I the most wish to see you.

As to Ireland, I have no doubt, as you say yourself, but that you

have touched your zenith, and if circumstances permitted it, I wish

to God that you was returned. No one can have done better than you

have, in all respects, et de l'aveu de tout le monde; but you are, I

see, non nescius aure fallacis, and in Ireland the winds rise

suddenly, and are violent and blast, quand on y pense le moins.

You have, I understand, made Mr. Cradock one of your Aid de camps,

which has pleased the Duchess of Bedford much; elle se loue

continuellement de la lettre qu'elle a recue de votre part; elle se

vante du credit qu'elle a aussi apres de vous. C'est un beau garcon,

et tres digne de sa protection a tout egard. I know him a little

myself; he seems a very right-headed, well-bred young man, and when

we played together, as we have done at Kenny's, he showed me

particular civilities, so I was glad to hear of the kindness which

you have had for him; but I had never heard that he had any such

thing in contemplation. . . .

I fancy that Wyndham(216) is returned for Chichester, but by a very

slender majority. Betty's patriots spread it about yesterday that

Lord N(orth) was out. What that lie was to be, which must be

contradicted an hour after, is difficult to say; perhaps to get a

vote or two of ours to go out of town, or some such flimsy scheme. I

hear that we shall be about twenty. Conway was at the Levee

yesterday, and scarce noticed; the King talked and laughed a great

deal with both Rigby and the Advocate, who were on each side of

Conway.

I was at night at Brooks's for a little while; it was high change,

all sorts of games, all kinds of parties, factions, arrangements,

whispers, jokes, etc., etc. John in better spirits; he had had a

cordial from Brummell, Lord N(orth's) secretary. Storer plays his

whist at White's. Nobody at supper there but Lord Fr. Cavendish,

Lord Weymouth, and one or two more. My circle around the fire in the

card room breaks up at about twelve, and the Duke of Q. generally

joins us towards the conclusion, and when he has talked himself out

of breath at Brooks's.

Charles dined yesterday, I believe, at Lord Rockingham's; I saw him

about five in great hurry, and agitation. What is to be done, may

not probably be concluded upon till the Easter holidays, and by that

time I hope to hear that his Majesty has been better served in the

W(est) Indias than in other parts of the world.

Negotiations for peace are much talked of. I hope that we shall

first have a little success, and then go with our proposals to

Versailles. Monsieur de Vergennes(217) says, that si l'Angleterre

veut avoir la Paix, il faut frapper a ma porte, and the sooner we

are in his cabinet for that purpose the better. If we do not begin

there, I am afraid, as Lord Bolingbroke says, we shall be suing for

it elsewhere, and at the gates of every other palace in Europe.

I have received an anonymous letter from Ireland, dated Dublin the

6th inst. I call it anon(ymous), because I believe the name of R.

Thomas to be feigned. The hand is a good one, and of a person of

fashion. He makes a demand of 500 pounds, which he says that he must

have by my means. The place I am to direct to is specified. Ekins

will carry over the letter. I rather suppose it to be from a

lunatic. He talks of not selling his voice, but I have no more light

into his scheme, or who the man is.

There is to be a great Drawing Room to-day, because Lord G(eorge)

and his bride will be presented, and with them come La Noblesse,

that is, the heads and tails of a hundred great families, to which

these young people are allied. Her head runs upon nothing but dress,

and expense; she is rather plain, as I hear, but not disagreeable.

She has made great terms for herself; her pin money is 1,500. She

will give up no part of her fortune to her husband. It is settled

upon the children; a jointure in proportion.

I saw the Duke of Bedford coming out of Charles's yesterday, so

there is another Duke for him to lead by the nose. For him he is, I

suppose,-obliged to Ossory. Young Pitt will not be subordinate; he

is not so in his own society. He is at the head of a dozen young

people, and it is a corps separate from that of Charles's; so there

is another premier at the starting post, who, as yet, has never been

shaved. I hope George will have a little more patience, but he is,

as I hear, the first speaker in his school, and by much the most

beloved, which pleases me more than if I saw the seals in his hands.

(215) Basil, sixth Earl of Denbigh (1719-1800). He was Master of the

Royal Harriers, and was deprived of his office by Lord Rockinghham.

(216) Percy Charles Wyndham was returned March 11, 1782.

(217) Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (1717-1787), Minister of

Foreign Affairs under Louis XV. His policy had been to humble

England by assisting the United States.

(1782,) March 16, Saturday morning, 10 o'clock.--We divided this

morning between one and two; our majority was nine, the numbers 236

and 227. I came home; my cough is so bad that I shall put off all

my engagements to dinner, and stay at home, I believe, till I have

got rid of it. But there is to be another trial of skill on

Wednesday. Charles's arrogance both in the House, and out of it, is

insupportable. I can neither think or speak of him with patience.

Gilbert voted with us, Sir J. Wrottesley against us, Lord Trentham

went away, McDonald with us. This is Denbigh's way of calculation;

he was positive that we should have 30, or at least 22.

But good God! what a Government is this! if the King has not the

power of choosing his own Ministers. It is enough, when he has

chosen them, that they are amenable to Parl(iamen)t for their

conduct. But if it is in the power of any man, on account of his

Parl(iamen)t[ary] talents, to force himself upon the King and into

Government, when his private character would exclude him from

ever(y) other station, or society, I wish for my own part not to

belong to that Government in any shape whatever; and it would

satisfy my mind infinitely more, that, while things remained upon

that foot, that neither of us were in any kind of employment

whatsoever. But I do not presume to dictate to you. You can see and

feel for yourself, with as much discernment and sensibility as

another.

Lord North was thought to speak better, and with more spirit than

before. I could not go down into the H(ouse) to hear the Advocate, I

was so oppressed with my cold. You will see the substance of the

speeches in the Chronicle; I suppose that you have all our papers.

Storer will write to you, and tell you of his conversation with

Charles, but do not say that I anticipated the account. I must talk

with Gregg upon the subject of your return here, for neither the

removal, or the mode or the time, will be weighed by any other

scales than those of their own convenience.

The Fish voted with us, and upon the merit of this assistance, and

at this important crisis, I suppose something was founded, for when

the H(ouse) was up, he was never from Lord North's elbow.

Notwithstanding Charles's impatience, it will not be settled all

this (month?) till the Easter holidays, and how it will be settled

then, I do not conceive. They talk now of Barre for Rigby's place. I

have never once heard my nephew's(218) name in any part of the

arrangement, but he has, I presume, a situation fixed in his own

mind, as adequate to his consequence. Young Pitt expects to be sent

for from the circuit to the Cabinet, but not in a subordinate

capacity. George has not sent from Neasdon any proposals to the

K(ing), so I suppose (e is)waiting till he can negotiate a Peace. I

wish that I could overhear him in his rhetorical mood.

(218) Thomas Townshend.

(1782, March 16,) Saturday noon.--Lord G(ower) assured me that he

knew that at this juncture there was no arrangement; that there

certainly would be, and soon; that it was impossible to guess at the

disposal of the parts. That Charles would be, and has been, a thorn

in the side of his party; that the Ministers would not suffer him to

rule, nor would the country gentlemen endure him. But you might be

recalled; that it was not now an object of ambition to be the

Governor of Ireland; that he thought it would have been a lucky

event for you, and that it would have afforded you an occasion of

resigning, the best that you could have had; for things would grow

worse, and that hitherto all had been well, and that you might now

come away without reproach; but that your circumstances opposed this

option.. He was, on account of the great expense and your love of

show, afraid how these would be hurt; that he could not help being

alarmed, notwithstanding the prospect Mr. Gregg held out of saving,

at one time, to provide against the extra charges of another.

I own that these reflections have often struck me, and very

forcibly, and makes us in a sad dilemma and perplexity about what

can be done. He assured me that as soon as he knew anything, I

should be informed of it. I told him that I wish(ed) we had our four

members, which could not be, unless Lord Mellbourn could be made by

some consideration to vacate his seat; but if we had, I would risk

my fortune in Government with yours, and take my chance, and be

served in the second place, when those had the administration with

whom we could draw.

What these will do, and in what manner they will treat the King's

friends, the Lord only knows. Charles made it an objection, your

attachment to the King; that was beginning well. He has none, God

knows. His countenance to Hare or Fitzpatrick are [is] no proof of

it to me. People can like and protect those who are subservient to

them, and persecute them when they are not. Had he been capable of a

good sentiment, he would have had one for you. Instead of that, he

puts your fortune into immediate danger, by a sacrifice of his

honour and engagement, and when he has done that, you and those

attached to you are treated as mercenary, and illiberal, because you

desire to be rescued from the impending ruin. Not a hundredth part

of what has been said on this subject comes to my knowledge, but

enough to fill me with horror and indignation.

While I was writing, and just before my dinner came up, I saw Mr.

Cook, who brought me your letter. You needed not to have cautioned

me against asking after matters of state. Those nearer to me are no

objects of curiosity, further than you are concerned in them. It is

a pleasure to have such a recent account of your being well. I wish

my letters could go as speedily to you, to prevent the radotage

incident to letters of an old date. Your correspondence with Lord

Hilsborough will soon cease; who(m) you will have to write to

afterwards I have not heard. It may be Charles.

Hare and Richard came into White's just before dinner. I stopped

there to hear what was going on. They can talk of nothing but the

demolition of the last Ministry, and abbai(s)sement of his Majesty,

but of this they speak without reserve. Lord Cov(entry) was there,

as malignant and insulting as possible. It requires some degree of

temper to refrain from a reply to these things, but I shall. I have

made up my mind to these revers; no future minister can hurt me, for

none will I ever trust.

Lord North and his Secretary, Robinson, have acted such a part by me

that I should never have believed anything but a couple of attorneys

of the lowest class to have done; but my conduct has been uniform,

and not changed towards the King, whom I have meant, though

unsuccessfully, to support. Had I been a bargain-maker, I could have

made as good a one with the Opposition as another, and could have

justified it better.

I hope that in about a week more, I shall be able to send you such

intelligence as will put us both out of doubt of what is or ought to

be done. Lord G(ower), I believe, six months ago, wanted to be at

the head of affairs; he might now, but will not.(219) Nothing but

the worse management on earth in our leaders could have brought

things to such an issue.

(219) "Attempts were made to induce Shelburne and afterwards Gower

to construct a Government but they speedily failed." (Lecky, vol.

iv. p. 203).

(1782,) March 18, Monday m(orning).--I am sorry to begin my letter

with telling you that George is again in my house, but so it is. Mr.

Raikes brought him to me, and little Eden to the surgeon's, on

account of his chilblains, yesterday morning in a post chaise. Sir

N. T(homas) came, and he ordered George to be blooded, which he was

directly, and wrote other prescriptions. I believe there was some

James's powder taken last night, and he is to help his cough with

something in a certain degree emetic. His pulse were [was] above a

hundred, and his cough very troublesome, but there is nothing that

forebodes any mischief. I do not hear of the least apprehensions of

that. Dr. Ekins was here, and Mr. Nevison. Lady G[ower] could not

come on account of her cold, Lord G(ower) will be here this morning.

. . .

I have no objection to declaring my own [opinion], but I beg you and

Lady Carlisle to know that what is done now, if it is with my

opinion, it was not in consequence of it, for I have been perfectly

passive. Dr. Ekins went done to Whitehall to acquaint Lord and Lady

G(ower) with this, who approved of what was done, and last night I

was there myself; and Lord G(ower) and I had more conversation with

him upon this horrid situation of affairs. That I should be much

disturbed about them, on your account, and my own, is not

extraordinary. I have, in certain circumstances, fixed and

determined in my own mind what would be most becoming for us both to

do, and what in the end would be most advantageous, but I shall not

obtrude my advice upon you, whose judgment I hold in higher esteem,

infinitely, than my own, and whose temper is more equal. But I will

say what I believe to be the state of things now, and what they

probably will be, and you will judge the best, it may be both for

yourself and me.

I called in at Brooks's last night, but avoided all conversation,

and will for the future with any one belonging to the party. Their

insolence, their vanity and folly, and the satisfaction expressed in

their countenances, upon fancying themselves Ministers, and going

into the place of them, as they think, and to drive the K(ing) from

every shadow of power and dignity, is no object to me now of mirth;

so, as I cannot help it, or approve it, and shall get nothing by a

dispute with such people, I am determined to act for my own part

--what I think is becoming me to do--to resign all ideas of

pecuniary advantage, if I cannot have them upon the terms I like,

and wait for better times.

The P(rince) of W(ales) supped the night before last at Lord

Derby's; there were as I am told no less than six courses; the women

were Lady Payne, Lady Jersey, perhaps Lady Mellbourne; I have not as

yet been informed of particulars. He stayed there till six, and

then, I hear, carried Charles home in his coach. He canvassed in the

last Question against his father. Lord Mellbourne stayed away at his

instigation. In this he has acted contrary to his engagements. He

says that he purchased his seat at Luggershall.(220) It is a

falsehood. If he did, he has not paid the money he ought for it; but

both Lord N(orth) and Robinson have acted in this, towards me, in

the most scandalous manner in the world, and I will inform the

K(ing) of it myself by an audience, if I can find no other means of

doing it.

I warned Lord North over and over again of this supercherie. I knew

his intention, and he was so weak as to neglect the means of pinning

this fitz scrivener, [this] fitz coachman, this fitz cook to his

word, and putting it in his power to use me in this manner, as if he

had bought of me a seat in Parliament, which no man living ever yet

did, but the King himself.

Lord Gower told me last night, that it might be a week before it was

possible to guess in the least how things would [be] settled; he

believed that the King would not send for you from Ireland, unless

you chose it. I think, and so I told him, that that was more than

the King himself could answer for.

I am now confident they would give it to the Duke of Devonshire if

he would accept it; he will not, and the Duke of Portland, that

jolt-headed calf, certainly will.(221) I wish to have nothing but

Buckinghams and Portlands for their subalternate ministers as long

as they are at Court, and then their damned Administration will be

over in six months, and they sunk into the herd of the people, and

the contempt which they deserve from any man of sobriety and

character.

Rigby and Lord G(ower) werd in another room in close conference a

great while. The negotiation has been carried on, but at present

broke off, between the Chancellor and Lord Rock(ingham). Burke's

Bill, they say, is insisted on, that is, a Bill which, while they

promise the public to carry into execution, they are determine(d)

shall be rendered (as) ineffectual as this they broke off. The

Chancellor went yesterday out of town.

The thought of a new Administration is so prevalent with Charles

that he would not go to Newmarket. I heard him last night tell his

people that he saw no reason, when he was Minister, that he or his

assistants in Administration should sit upon the Treasury bench. The

merry and the sad, as my Lord Clarendon says, have employment

enough, while these actors are dressing themselves up for the play,

and rehearsing their parts.

(220) Lord Melbourne was returned with Selwyn as M.P. for borough of

Ludgershall on September 12, 1780.

(221) The Duke of Portland succeeded Lord Carlisle as Viceroy of

Ireland on the formation of the Rockingham Ministry.

(1782,) March 19, Tuesday, 11 o'clock, morning.--. . . . Gregg dines

with me to-day. He has been ever since Friday last at Saffron

Walden, so I have as yet not seen him. I have a great deal to

say to him. The seeming impossibility of your staying in

Ireland agreeably to your own sentiments, and the inconvenience

which returning suddenly will be to your private affairs, gives me

at this moment not a little disquietude, and Lord G(ower) cannot

help it, by any lights which as yet he has himself.

I saw Charles last night, and by accident was alone with me (him);

he stretched out his hand to me with great good humour. I could have

asked him an abundance of questions, and could have reasoned with

him a great while. For although in that sphere he has much

superiority to me, he has not the faculty of persuading me in the

least of what I know to be without reason, and a great part of which

he knows to be so himself. However, I did not, for fear of betraying

a want of temper which could be of no use, and I asked him no

questions, lest he should interpret them ill, and think that I

wanted to deprecate his vengeance or solicit his favour. He must be

reduced to his former despair before I shall discuss these matters

with him pleasantly.

He spoke of all coming to a final issue now within a very short

space of time; he talked of the King under the description of Satan,

a comparison which he seems fond of, and has used to others; so he

is sans management de paroles. It is the bon vainqueur et

despotique; he has adopted all the supremacy he pretended to dread

in his Majesty. It seems a dream that I survey his figure, and know

his history. His talents are great, but talents alone never operated

in this manner.

When he said how few days we had to subsist, I uttered in an humble

voice, "Greek text"; I have forgot to write my Greek. To that he

said, "You are in the right--that is the only reflection which can

be suggested for your comfort, but it is next to an impossibility."

He talks of us so much as an Opposition, that even the Wine Surplus,

which we call a majority, is forgot, and I wonder he does not in his

sleep walk into St. James's with the seals of his new Government in

his hand. He told me that he would make me a Baronet, for my vote

to-morrow night. The Duke of Devonshire said gravely, "A vast price

for one vote only!" Charles Turner has seriously insisted upon it.

The Fish told Lord N(orth) the other night, after the Division, that

he had only three bottles left of that champagne which he liked so

much, and if he would come and dine with him they were at|his

service. Lord North replied, archly enough, "What! still, Mr.

Craufurd, may I dine with you?"

(1782,) March 21, Thursday m(orning).--In the midst of all that

multiplicity of distress and confusion in which I am at present, as

well as the public, I will not omit to let you know that, excepting

the cough, George is very well. . . . What happened yesterday in the

H(ouse) of C(ommons), of which you will by various channels know the

particulars, with many more in a few days, must for ever astonish

you, if you were not sufficiently apprised of the characters of the

persons concerned. I hear that the Duke of Montagu at Windsor, the

day before, told the King of the impossibility of continuing the

Administration.

Lord N(orth), when he went to the King, was told abruptly of these

intentions; and then He (sic) sent for the principal persons in

Administration, and those who had assisted him, and having thanked

them, went down to the House to declare this in his place in the

manner in which you will, I suppose, see it described in the

papers.(222)

The old Ministry is at an end, and of what materials the new one

will be composed, the Lord knows. The insolence, the hard heartiness

(sic), brutality, and stuff, which these people talk, altogether

give me the worst apprehensions of what they will do, and I have

only to hope that from this, which seems so irreconcilable to

reason, decency, or the usual practice of Government, some system

will be formed that I shall like better.

As to Lord N(orth), what happens disagreeable to him he merits in

greatest degree, and if the King chooses to acquiesce in all this

ill treatment of him, I see no reason why I should be offended, or

feel more for a man's disgrace than he feels himself. He might have

prevented it; he seemed to wish that he could; he now seems not

affected by it; but je courerois risque d'extravaguan(ce) si je

continuois sur le chapitre.

I stayed at Brooks's this morning till between 2 and 3, and then

Charles was giving audiences in every corner of the room, and that

idiot Lord D.(223) telling aloud whom'he should turn out, how civil

he intended to be (to) the P(rince), and how rude to the K(ing).

Thursday night, 9 o'clock.--George is going on as before, no fever,

but a cough. Sir N. T[homas] has forbid his going out as yet. I took

him out airing yesterday in the middle of the day for an hour, but

to-day he has had some physic.

Lord Gower and I were a long while together at Whitehall; we both

agreed that, re bus sic stantibus, it seems impossible that you

should stay in Ireland. Hare informs me that they do not mean to

remove you. I should wonder if they did, for such an account as I

have of the state of Ireland is terrible, and I am sure one cannot

wish to send a friend to weather such a storm. The best thing for

you would be their sending another in your room, but, if they do not

do that, the next is to desire to be recalled, when you know who

these Ministers are. You must expect a pause for some time in your

political carriere, and you must in that interval practise a great

economy, which will do you infinite credit, and then, upon a new

turn of affairs you will be called with more lustre into a better

situation. This was Lord Gower's opinion, and is mine.

Charles assured me, not half an hour ago, that the King had sent for

nobody, that all was as much at a stand as before the Creation.

Nobody knows what to make of it. But a Ministry must be formed by

Monday. It is thought that my nephew will be Chancellor of the

Exchequer and C(harles) Fox the Secretary of State, and of the rest

I know nothing, of that nothing like intelligence (sic). It is

imagined that Lord Rock(ingham) and Lord Shelbourn cannot agree.

The King had no Drawing Room, only the Queen between him and Lord

Robert; Lady Sefton next to Fitzpatrick; the Prince between the

D(uchesse)s of Devonshire and Cumberland; on the other side of the

Duchess of Devonshire the Duke of Cumberland.

When I left the House, I left in one room a party of young men, who

made me, from their life and spirits, wish for one night to be

twenty. There was a table full of them drinking--young Pitt, Lord

Euston, Berkley, North, &c., &c., singing and laughing a gorge

deployee; some of them sang very good catches; one Wilberforce,(224)

a M. of P., sang the best.

I shall go at noon(?) to Whitehall, and write again in the evening.

I dine at home to-day, but to-morrow at Lord Ossory's. I would not

leave my house when George was here, but Mrs. W(ebb) has a care of

him, and attention to him in everything, as much as Mie Mie. Poor

Lady Craufurd wished to go to this Ball. I did not know, or would

have contrived it for her. She was at Lady Hertford's, but the

Duchess is so (sic) at Gloucester House, so that cannot be, upon

admissible terms.

Lord Sheilbourn was at Devonshire H(ouse) the whole night, which

seems to countenance the report that Lord R(ockingham) and he cannot

act together. Plut a Dieu que la discorde, cette deesse si utile en

certaine occasions, voulut bien se meler de cet arrangement; ce

seroit bien a propos. But there is no agreement among them but which

tends to create confusion. Tommy T(ownshend) and his family seemed

in high glee. Lady Middleton's daughter danced with my cousin of

Westmoreland; il est tant soit peu gauche, sa danse a fort peu de

grace. The women looked extremely well. Lord George presented to me

his bride; she is her father toute crachee, but not so handsome.

Charles has not bought a good coat yet upon the change in his

affairs. I thought that his former calling would have supplied

[it?]. Mrs. Bouverie(225) at supper. Many ladies who had not

received cards were sure it was a mistake, and sent for them. This

was an additional pleasure to those to whom they were sent, for here

was a school for scandal as well as for dancing. Lady Warren played

at Pharo; the Prince at Macco, and the Duke of Cumberland. John,

with a very handsome coat, satin, couleur de mar on, and an applique

of silver and des diamans faux--a coat d'hazard sent from Fripier's

in the Rue de Roule. The Duke and I did not receive our cards till

five o'clock. It was such a snow and hail and rain when we were

coming away as never was seen.

I am glad my dear little boy is in this house now; I am sure that he

would run a great risk out of it, just at this time. . . . He is

mighty busy in making out his Latin with Littleton's Dictionary,

which I have given him. ... I left Lady Gower and Lady Ann and the

Dunmores at the Ball. The Duchess of Bedford has invited me to

Bedford H(ouse) to see your letter to her. ...

Storer carries this off with such seeming spirits as are certainly

more becoming than an apparent dejection. But I dread to think to

what, I verily believe, that he will be reduced. I utter no

complaint, but I feel the danger I am in, and the distress which it

may occasion to me, and still more Lord N(orth's) abominable

treatment of me. If I had resented it, as many would have done, I

know what might have been said. But I have acted my part well and

steadily, and when I have done all which becomes me to do, I shall

make up my mind to the event.

(222) See earlier in this chapter, paragraph which begins "Notice

was promptly given . . ."

(223) Probably Lord Derby, Edward, twelfth Earl (1752-1834).

(224) William Wilberforce (1759-1833), the abolitionist and

philanthropist; at this time M.P. for Hull and one of Pitt's closest

friends.

(225) The fashionable and courted beauty. The portrait of her and of

her sister, Mrs. Crewe, together as shepherdesses, by Sir Joshua

Reynolds, in 1770, attracted much notice.

(1782, March 22,) Friday m(orning), 11 o'clock.--George seems very

well; his cough is considerably abated, but the weather is so

remarkably wet and bad, that Sir N. T(homas) wishes him to stay

within.

I was at Devonshire H(ouse) till about 4, and then left most of the

company there. All the new supposed Ministers were there except Lord

Rock(ingham), who had probably other business, and perhaps with the

K(ing). Rigby assured me that some one was sent (for?), and if

Charles did not know it, he was more out of the secret than he

thought that he had been. To be sure, the arrangement is entame, la

pillule est avalee, et bien des couloeuvres apres. Charles I left

there; I believe that he had heard what did not come up to his full

satisfaction, so probably a little water is mixed with their wine.

We shall know to-day, for this strange situation of things cannot

remain till Monday; la machine n'est pas construct a pouvoir alter

jusques a la.

I conversed privately a good while with Lord Ashburnham. I have the

greatest opinion of his judgment in the conductive part of life. I

really believe, if any man ever went through life with consummate

discretion, it has been himself, and he has preserved his reputation

at the same time, or else I should not give his conduct this eloge.

He asked me after you in the most obliging and interesting (sic)

manner, and solicitude about the part you would act, not hinting a

doubt of your not performing it well, but with great expressions of

esteem. He hoped much that you would take this opportunity, as he

said, of leaving Ireland. He said that it would be laying the

foundation of a very brilliant situation to you at another time. He

is very much in the right. I could not, to be sure, explain all the

difficulties in the way of this. There are none, indeed,

comparatively speaking.

Hare writes to you; he expresses a tenderness for your interest; je

ne la revoque pas en doute, but his interests and yours are not the

same. These new people will wish you perhaps to stay, and say it is

from regard to you. If you believe it you will deceive yourself. If

they will send another, so much the better; let their friend stay to

govern Ireland when Ireland is what it will be. But if they talk of

keeping you there, wait to see the Ministry established, and then

ask for your recall. I hope that you will not reflect a moment with

concern upon the straights to which you may be reduced by way of

expense. We will do all we can to arrange this matter, but honour

and figure, as you know, cannot be added, or taken from you, by

expense. That is not the scale in which the respect which all the

world owes and is ready to pay you and Lady C(arlisle) will be

weighed. If you came from Holyhead in the stage waggon, it would

only be more reputable to you. There was a strong instance of that

in the story of this Duke of Newcastle's father. Lord Gower tells me

that Lord Rock(ingham) is personally not attached to you from

provincial reasons. I never adverted to that consideration.

The K(ing) had a most narrow escape hunting on Tuesday. His horse

ran away with him; he was thrown on a gate; he seems to be marked

out for a people (sic) to be distressed and disgraced in every way

possible. Burke was last night in high spirits. I told him that I

hope, now they had forced our entrenchments and broke loose, that he

and his friends would be compassionate lions, tender-hearted

hyaenas, generous wolves. You remember that speech of his; he was

much diverted with the application. Our fete was very brilliant

indeed, and well conducted; there was a supper for at least 300

people; eight rooms where there were tables. The Prince l'astre de

la nuit, couvert de faux brilliant (sic); c'est un beau cavalier.

The Duchess of Cumberland was there, but not the Princess Royale. It

was proposed, as is said, that the Duke of Gloucester should be

Commander in Chief.

(1782, March) 23, Saturday night.--George goes on well, but Sir N.

T(homas) will not let him go out. The weather is worse than it has

been at any time this winter. Leveson has been all this evening at

my house to play with him.

Nothing as yet arranged, and we meet on Monday. It is imagined that

we must then adjourn till Friday; about that there will be a bustle.

Lord Gower was sent for yesterday morning by the King, and was with

him a great while. I was this morning at Whitehall. The Chanc(ello)r

was there. Gregg showed Lord G(ower) your accounts; they are better

than'he expected. Charles expressed to me last night more than once

an anxiety lest you should be in Opposition, and asked me if the

Master of the Horse would please. I could give him no answer to

that, but that it depended upon circumstances. He said Lord

Cadogan's place would do for Lord Foley. That this Revolution which

he brought about was the greatest for England that ever was; that

excepting in the mere person of a King, it was a complete change of

the Constitution; and an era ever glorious to England, and a great

deal of such rhapsody. Richard insolent to a degree.

I was a good while to-day with Lord G(ower); still of opinion that

your return here would be the most favourable event that could

happen to you. Ossory hinted to me this afternoon that the King

would see Lord Rock(ingham) to-night. Hanger assures me that Charles

is better disposed to me than to anybody, but that I have enemies

who surround him; so there is one friend in a corner.

On Monday I expect some envious dissertations in the H. of C. on the

nature of the new Government. The Duke of Gloucester won't be

Comm(ande)r in Chief for two reasons; one is, that the Duchess can

be admitted at Court; and the second is that Lord Rock(ingham) will

not permit it. It is meant to take the Army out of the K. hands, and

that would be putting it into them. I have no more for to-night. My

love and respects to your fireside, shall see Caroline again with

great pleasure indeed, and the little boy.

(1782, March 27,) Wednesday night, 10 o'clock, at home.--The Cabinet

Council(226) kissed hands to-day, and Dunning with the rest. He is

Chancellor [of the] Duchy of Lancaster and a peer. At this I was

surprised. Ashburn(h)am is kept, and all the Bedchamber. Lord

Hertford is delivered up at discretion; either he or his son Isaac

must be sacrificed. But his Lordship has not been thought the father

of the faithful, or so himself. Their trimming has released his

M(ajesty) from any obligations to protect them.

The Duke brings me word from Court that I am safe, but how I do not

comprehend. To take away my place, which is to be annihilated in two

months by Burke's Bill, (is absurd), and a pension I would not

receive, but as an appendix to a place or as a part of it. But the

D(uke), whose friendship for me is very vif, on some occasions, has

fished out this for me. I could not go to Court, my temper would not

permit. I could have seen my R(oyal) master on the scaffold with

less pain than insulted as he has been to-day. I am going out to

hear all that passed, and how he bore it. From my parlour window I

saw Mr. Secretary Fox step into his chariot from his office, and

Lord Shelbour(n)e and Dunning from the other office. The Levee was

not over till near five, that is, the audiences, a most numerous

Court--souls to be saved, and souls not to be saved.

Warner dined here, and Storer. Mie Mie went to her Academy, so I

stayed at home to keep George company. He was upon the dining table

hearing Warner, Storer, and I (me) talking over this political

history, with an attention and curiosity which would have charmed

you, as well as the questions he asked. He looked like a little Jesu

in a picture of Annibal Carraci's listening to the Doctors. He has

been reading to-day speeches in Livy, with the French translation.

We gave him sentences this evening to construe. It was wonderful how

well he did them. The weather grows fine, and I shall desire leave

to carry him back till the 25th of next month, for he is very well;

the cough which (he) has is trifling. He has no heat;--he looks

delightfully.

I was with Lord Gower this morning. The Chanc(ello)r dined there

to-day. I talked with Lord G. about you; he has explained your

situation, and I suppose has told you that arrangements will be made

here to your satisfaction. I see some comfort in all this. Nous

reculerons pour mieux sauter. Your return will mortify some of the

Opposition, who hope to keep you a year in Ireland out of charity,

to insult you, and for their convenience. Lord Carmarthen solicits

this with chaleur and impatience. I believe there is in this tant

soit peu de malice, et pour se venger, for he will have your

Lieutenancy in the County too. He has lost himself with me entirely.

A thousand traits of him have crowded upon me, which a little

partiality to him had obscured.

I was asked to dine at Derby's to-day with the new Ministers; I

could not accept it. Prudence forbid(s) that, as well as want of

temper. What I said or did not say would have been ill interpreted,

so I refused.

Charles has taken a house in Pall Mall. Sheridan is his secretary.

What becomes of Hare and Richard I know not. Richard has provoked me

beyond measure by his insolence and unfeelingness about everybody

and everything. The Garters are for the Duke of Portland, D.

Devonshire, Duke of Richmond, and one of the Princes.

My nephew, Secretary at War, and Burke, Paymaster. This was what he

hoped for, I mean Tommy. The Chancellorship of the Exchequer not

determined upon it (yet?). Lord John Cav(endish) balances about it.

Young Burke, Secretary of the Treasury. Another ball at Devonshire

House. I long to see you, Lady Carlisle, and the children. This is

the only balm in all this infernal business. But vous avez un beau

role a jouer, but you must have patience for the present and, as

George says, wait the event. This is a plusieurs facettes. I will

now go to White's for more intelligence, and write more if I can,

but it is half-hour after ten.

(226) The new Cabinet. The Rockingham Ministry consisted of Lord

Rockingham, First Lord of the Treasury; Lord Thurlow, Lord

Chancellor; Lord John Cavendish, Chancellor of the Exchequer;

Charles James Fox, Secretary for Foreign Affairs; Lord Shelburne,

Secretary for the Home and Colonial Departments; Admiral Keppel,

First Lord of the Admiralty; Lord Camden, President of the Council;

Duke of Grafton, Lord Privy Seal; Duke of Richmond, Master of the

Ordnance; Dunning (Lord Ashburton), Chancellor of the Duchy of

Lancaster; General Conway, Commander-in-Chief; Burke (not in the

cabinet), Paymaster of the Forces.

(1782,) March 29 (30?), Saturday m(orning), 8 o'clock.--I could not

write last night but a few lines, but if I could, many pages would

not have been sufficient, or any force of language which I possess

strong enough to express all I feel from reading your letter of the

22nd instant. Although my friendship, and tenderness for what

concerns you, may not be greater than that of . . . (sic) my judgment

has on this occasion been, as I perceive, more corresponding with

your sentiments, which I have spoke from the dictates of that pride

which I can adopt on your account, but would be presumptuous on my

own. I hope, in avoiding one inconvenience, that I have not fallen

into another, but if I have, the mistake can be easier corrected if

necessary.

When Charles has expressed to me, as he did more than once, an

anxiety about your conduct, and an uneasiness lest it should be in

opposition to his own, I contented myself with saying, that it was

impossible for me to know what you would do, but I was in no pain

about it; that if he could, as I had heard him say that he could in

very strong terms, answer for your ready judgment on all occasions,

so I would answer for your honour, which two things made me sure

that you would always act as became you, and that, therefore, I was

in no pain upon that head; that whatever might happen disagreeable

to you, or to me, we were both prepared for it. And when I have

expressed a curiosity concerning the disposal of offices in general,

I have been sometimes taken up shortly, impertinently, and dirtily

by that jackanapes, Lord D., and he has said, "Your friend will not

stay in Ireland."

I have then only answered, "My Lord, my wishes are that he may not,

and it is most probable that he will not desire it; but you are

quite mistaken if you suppose that in these arrangements I have any

anxiety or curiosity about him." All that is an object of my love

and esteem is quite independent of other people's resolutions; and

as for what regards myself, I am not indifferent, I own, and I shall

wish to know how I may be treated by those to whose power I am

delivered up, but I have never asked one question concerning it. I

shall provoke no man's anger unnecessarily; it is my only solicitude

to let people see that if they oblige me by good treatment, they

oblige one whom they do not despise, and who has acted 'in all

circumstances like a gentleman.

I have, I find, from what I have been told by the Party, the credit

of having behaved better and calmer on this occasion than many of my

fellow convicts. What I have felt I have felt like a man, and that I

have not attempted to deprecate by pretending that I thought myself

to blame. But, my dear Lord, this has been merely exterior, for at

home and alone I have been greatly depressed, both on your account

and on that of others. I have felt for the honour and credit, and

sufferings, of a person to whom I can only be attached by principle.

For the sentiment of personal affection does not arise for objects

of such inequality. I do not know how to account for it, but I have

had, and still have, such a share of that, as would make one think

that with the air of France and with the language of the country I

had imbibed all the prejudices of their education. My thoughts about

your distress, and of those dear children, which seem to belong as

much to me as to you and Lady C., have really affected me at times

in a manner which would have exposed me anywhere out of my own room,

and to anybody else but to Dr. Ekins, who knows how naturally, and

justly, I feel for you,

I have in the last place been touched, as I must be, with the great

difference of my own circumstances, such as they were and might have

been, and such as they would be if all this impending mischief had

its full effect. The loss of three thousand pounds a year, coming

after debts created by imprudence, and which might otherwise have

been soon liquidated, is a blow which I confess that I was not

prepared for, and if I could not feel it for myself, I must have

felt it for you. Born for your use, as Zanga says, I live but to

oblige you, and as soon as I become unprofitable to you, I shall

feel then the most sensibly, how imprudently I have acted, and how

unjustly I have been dealt with. I have, as I have told you before,

not had yet the courage to look upon that ledger, where I saw once

so fair an account, and where I must now make myself so many

rasures. Stabant tercentum nitidi in praepibus altis. I must now see

myself reduced in comparison to a narrow or at least a circumscribed

plan, and without a possibility of assisting one object of my

affection without hurting another.

However, gloomy as the prospect has been, it may clear up, and I

could, if it was right, encourage hopes and anticipate a perspective

that is not unpleasing to me.

I shall see Lord G(ower)to-day, who will tell me more particularly

how things have been settled since yesterday, when I was with him.

It is an idea of my own that he has contrived an arrangement for

you, which, while it relieves your distress, saves, I hope, your

honour. I have myself as much dreaded as you could do, your being

thought of as an object of mercy, and I trust that so near a

relation will dread that for you, as well as myself, and that if he

secures you from injustice that he will secure your credit at the

same time. I have my eyes opened now upon the intrigues of a Court

more than they were in all the former part of my life, and of all

people I believe that I shall be the last for the future who will be

the dupe of Ministers.

The new Government, for it is more that than merely a new

Administration, has given me quite a new system for my own conduct.

If they have by violence &c. got into places from whence I would

have excluded them, if now they should behave rightly in them, and

the country becomes better and safer for their conduct, it would be

folly not to assist them. But I am, above all things, desirous that

both your assistance and my own, such as it is, should be more

wished for by them than their assistance wished for by us.

I think that you stand clear of all which can humiliate you at

present. No one's conduct in every circumstance, so far as regards

your administration in Ireland, can be more universally commended.

You do not desert, but retire, when those who are at the helm, if

they have confidence in your understanding and honour, mistrust your

inclinations towards themselves, and you leave to their friends and

dependants a business from which no honour can be derived.

You are not driven from your post, because they will have recalled a

man manifestly more willing to leave it, than they to profit of the

resignation. They would have kept you perhaps for their own sakes,

although they would do nothing for yours, and they would have made

you a tool, but cannot, as they know, make you a friend but by

behaving well towards [you] and towards their country.

Your private circumstances, if known to be embarrassed, are known at

the same time not to embarrass you. Your chop and your pewter plate

will reproach others sooner than they can reflect disgrace upon

yourself. The audax paupertas, however, is not necessary, but great

economy is. I myself will give you an example of it, and contribute

every atom in my power to ease your mind from what will most

sensibly and naturally affect it. What interest in Parliament is

left me shall be yours, and if my little bark, sailing in attendance

upon yours, is able to assist you, I shall be happier in that

circumstance than from any which I could otherwise have derived from

it.

But we may perhaps all act in concord for the present. I am told, I

do not [know] how true, that no hostilities are intended towards me;

nous verrons. I can never be used by any set of Ministers so ill, or

with such indignity, as by those who are removed. . . .(227) said

last night that the executions were now near(ly) over. I will open

my mind to you. I think both his and Richard's language in all this

transaction has been to the last degree indecent, and I am sure,

unless these two are better advised, they will do their chief more

disservice than any ill-conduct of his own. When people of low birth

have by great good luck and a fortunate concurrence of events been

able to obtain, from lively parts only, without any acquisitions

which can be useful to the public, such situations as are due only

to persons of rank, weight, and character, it is surely an easy task

not to be insolent. It is all I require of them; I envy no man his

good fortune, ever so undeserved, while he shows no disposition to

offend others. But with all this I have not been provoked enough to

express my resentment, or mean enough to deprecate that of others.

(227) An erasure.

I was last night at supper with Charles, but not one syllable passed

between us. He knows that I see him in a situation where I cannot

wish to see any one who has aspired to it and obtained it by the

means which he has used. No one admires more or thinks more justly

of his abilities than I do; no one could have loved him more, if he

had deserved it; what his behaviour has been to the public, to his

friends, and to his family is notorious. Facts are too stubborn, and

to those I appeal, and not to the testimonies of ignorant and

profligate people. However, if hereafter you can reconcile yourself

to him and to his behaviour towards you, I will forgive him, and

although I desire to lay myself under no obligation to him, I will

remember only that he is the child of those whom I loved, without

interest or any return.

George wonders to see me write so much to you; he is so well that I

will carry him to school on Monday, without consulting any person.

. . . He has read more Latin to me than I have to him, for my breath

as been affected by the cold, or I should have read more with him;

but he has hammered out his Latin with the dictionary and what

assistance I can give him, and construes it wonderfully well. He

will be at school till the 25th of next month, and then I propose

exercise abroad, and the Modern History of Europe at home, and

French; for to speak the truth he is defective in the pronunciation

of that, for want of practice. The Theodore's coming here obliges me

to have my nieces dine here, to see her. I'm afraid people will come

to see Mie Mie dance par billets.