Thursday, July 4th, 1782.
My Dear Grenville,
Knowing that you very much dislike your situation, I don't know
how to call ill news what I am now going to inform you of.
Charles has this day resigned the seals; as he is much engaged,
I have undertaken to let you know this event, and make the last
exercise of our office the sending a messenger to you, as it
would certainly be unfair to lose a single hour in assisting you
in your release. I understand you cannot leave Paris without
leave from hence, as you have the King's commission; but by
sending this to you directly, it will be in your own hands to
require that leave in as peremptory terms as you please.
What relates to Lord Rockingham's death you are informed of. The
day before it happened Charles made a question in the Cabinet on
the policy of not reserving the Independence of America as a
matter of treaty and the price of a peace, but to grant it at
once unconditionally; on which he was beat. And immediately on
Lord Rockingham's death, Lord Shelburne informs them that he is
to be First Lord of the Treasury and the King's Minister, though
_against his wish_, &c., &c. They proposed the Duke of Portland,
which the King refused; and after a great deal of idle
negotiation, in which it was evident there was no power left
with our friends, the measure of to-day was determined on. Lord
John Cavendish goes out with Charles, Keppel follows; but, to
his shame, in my opinion, the _Duke of Richmond_, I believe,
will remain. Mr. Pitt joins Shelburne, and will be either
Chancellor of the Exchequer or Secretary of State. For the rest,
it is not known whether they will make up out of the old set, or
take all new. Conway also will stay. But still, those who go are
right; for there is really no other question but whether, having
lost their power, they ought to stay and lose their characters.
And so begins a new Opposition; but wofully thinned and
disconcerted, I fear. I am sure, however, that you will think
what has been done was right. Fitzpatrick is here, but returning
to Ireland; where, however, neither he nor the Duke will remain.
I write in great haste, which you must excuse. Yours ever truly,
R. B. Sheridan.
What you hear of Cornwallis having lost some transports, is a
matter of no magnitude.