Pall Mall, March 21st, 1783.
My dear Brother,
If you had not some little confidence in my veracity, you would
hardly think it possible that I was not imposing upon you when
you read my last letter, written at eleven last night, to assure
you that everything was quite afloat, and that the _virtuous_
band of men, in whom the country places all her hopes and all
her confidence, had made a _patriotic_ stand against Lord
Stormont's being of the Cabinet; and when you read this, written
only thirteen hours later, to inform you that, within the
half-hour, everything is settled between the high contracting
parties for the following Cabinet:
Duke of Portland _Treasury_.
Fox }
Lord North } _Secretaries_.
Lord Stormont _President_, and of the Cabinet.
Lord John Cavendish _Chancellor of the Exchequer_.
Lord Keppel _Admiralty_.
Lord Carlisle _Privy Seal_.
_All_ the efficient responsible offices having thus been
required, and insisted upon to be given to persons who are
looked upon to be Whigs; and it having thus been made a _sine
quâ non_ condition, that all the powers of Government should be
_solely vested_ in those who have the advantage of being
denominated the friends of the late Lord Rockingham, and this
_determination_ having been adhered to, I hope no
misrepresentation will be made to you of the basis or purport of
the late junction, to which it might perhaps be liable from any
_false_ accounts.
Seriously, however, you may depend upon this list having been
carried by the Duke of Portland to the King for his approbation.
What the answer has been, I know not; but hope it will be
acquiesced in, though I think it not quite certain, because you
observe that no mention is made in it of the Lord Chancellor,
and that consequently the dismissal of Thurlow, and the putting
the Seals in commission, are implied.
We shall, however, probably soon know; and when I do, I will
send off this, but not before, lest the weathercock should veer
once more from the North.
I am going down to the House, and am to dine with Pitt. If I
send this letter, adding nothing to it, you may depend upon it
that the arrangement is agreed to.
Ever yours,
W. W. G.
Six o'clock.
I send this by the post, as nothing further is known. Coke
postponed his motion till Monday; and W. Hill gave notice of an
amendment to it in the words of Lord Surrey's intended motion
last year.
Fox's friends have been holding out for these last four or five
days, as a great mark of sincerity, the _determination_ not to
act with the Chancellor or Lord Stormont. You see how the last
has ended; and as to the first, _nous verrons_.
I should be much obliged to you, if, as soon as your resignation
is made known in Ireland, you would speak immediately to
Fremantle, to desire him to make an economical reform in my
household, leaving only such servants as are absolutely
necessary for me. I hope to be over with you soon after the
receipt and delivery of your letter.