London, March 5th, 1783.
My Lord,
I continue to write in these curious times, though I am
confident you must have better intelligence from a variety of
other authorities. Lord North's interview, last night, with the
King did not last above ten minutes. His Majesty again asked him
if _they_ (meaning Mr. Fox and his associates) would be
satisfied with a neutral person being at the head of the
Treasury: his Lordship replied, they would only be satisfied
with the Duke of Portland. His Majesty then asked Lord North if
he would accept of the Treasury, which he declined; and so they
parted. This, the Duke of Portland told me himself, last night,
at Brookes's. Mr. Fox said something to the same effect; but it
was too late before Lord North left the King, to write by last
night's post. His Majesty looked very firm; but what course he
is to steer is not yet known.
I am happy to find, from all sorts of people who may be supposed
to know something of ideal arrangements, that there is no
intention anywhere of your Excellency not having the option of
remaining in Ireland; and that it is the universal wish you may
continue there, for the sake of this as well as of that country.
If you happened to be here now, you would have the Treasury laid
at your feet.