Pall Mall, Feb. 19th, 1783.
My dear Brother,
I wrote to you yesterday morning by a messenger, in order that
you might receive the earliest information of the event of our
decision. I was then infinitely too much harassed by the fatigue
and want of sleep to attempt entering into the detail of the
debate, being indeed scarcely able to hold my pen at all. You
will since have seen it at length in the papers. I therefore say
nothing upon that subject.
I have since at several different times sat down to write to you
fully upon the situation of things here, and upon your letter of
the 11th, which I received last night. But I find it so
difficult to offer any reasonable conjecture upon the probable
event, and things have taken so different a turn from that which
you supposed, and on which you argue, that I have thought it
better to confine myself to the following facts (being all I
know) on the authenticity of which you may depend. From them you
will yourself collect the different circumstances which may
occur, upon which you will be [enabled] to form a decision very
material to your future character, honour, and happiness. If any
of these should take place before I hear from you again, you may
depend on the earliest notice which I can give you.
In the first place, Lord Shelburne never has made any offer
whatever to Lord North.
Secondly, the coalition between Lord North and Fox is very far
from being formed; so far indeed, that _I know_ they have
differed, not only on loaves and fishes, but on the subject of
high and responsible office, and particularly about the Treasury
itself, which was not settled this morning.
Thirdly, the King is decidedly with Lord Shelburne. His opinion
of Fox I apprehend not to be altered, nor his former resentment
against Lord North much softened by their present conduct. Rigby
and Jenkinson both voted with us: the latter avowedly excluded
from the proposed arrangement.
Fourthly, it is the intention of Ministry to wait the event of
another question in the House of Commons. The subject is to be
resumed on Friday, when this question will probably occur. And
this they do in compliance with the ----'s wishes. The Duke of
Grafton totters, but has not actually resigned.
The division was very respectable on our side. Almost all the
country gentlemen voted with us. Many of them are outrageous
with Fox upon the idea of his coalition. Lord North's share of
the 224 is computed from 160 to 170.
Our Bill was read a second time to-day, but so early, that I was
not down. Percival asked some question about his idea; you have
never said anything to me upon it. It is committed for this day
sev'nnight; before that time, chaos will probably have taken
some form; in the meantime I cannot but fear the most serious
and alarming consequences from the impression which this
division must make in France, Spain, and above all, in Holland.
Pray write as soon as you can, and believe me
Most sincerely and affectionately yours,
W. W. G.
P.S. I shall see the Speaker to-morrow.
I have delayed writing this so long, that I find it is too late
to send it by the post, and it is not I think worth an express.
I will therefore keep it for your tailor, who goes to-morrow,
and tells me he rides post. If so, you will get it sooner; and
if anything should occur before to-morrow evening, I shall be
able to state it.
20th.
I hear nothing new to-day. Lord J. Cavendish moves tomorrow, and
is supposed to intend censure. If so, we shall very probably see
the new alliance divided, especially if their differences
continue, which I know not. I have not seen Percy, but shall
to-morrow; I called to-day, but he was out.
Lord Beauchamp says he will not oppose our Bill; nor, I imagine,
in this state of things, will Fox. I need not say that at this
moment no business goes on, and consequently it is in vain to
talk to them about the different points in your despatches.
"Non ipsa si velit Salus
Servare prorsus hanc potest Rempublicam!"
Adieu, my dear brother, you shall hear from me again on Saturday
morning; but in the meantime pray let me hear from you as soon
as you can.
Ever yours,
W. W. G.