Dublin Castle, April 2nd, 1783.
My dear Lord,
I have been waiting for some days (now almost weeks) for my
delivery; but finding the situation of Government so uncertain,
I will not delay to the period when our correspondence would
naturally have closed, my cordial acknowledgments for the very
steady, honourable, and let me call it affectionate support
which you have given me in the complicated scene of the four
winter months, and in the whole detail of our communications. I
shall ever think of it with gratitude; but if I were vain enough
to think my presence in Ireland necessary, you have effectually
prevented my continuance by a candour and sincerity, which I
could little expect in your successor. Upon these grounds of
good-will to those with whom I acted, and of detestation of that
coalition to which you have given way, I have, without
communication with any one, sent to you my letter of
resignation. I am not insensible to the sacrifice; for arduous
as the station most truly is, I had hopes at this early period
of my life to have built my honest fame upon the event of my
Administration. Those prospects are vanished, but I have that
satisfaction in reflecting upon the scene of these last six
months, which amply contents me. As to future events, let those
who have played this desperate game, deeply answer it; and upon
that subject (as far as it relates to this kingdom) I will say
nothing, as you will, from my despatches, have collected all
that can occur to me. God knows whether this may still find you
Secretary; if it should, I wish you to write to me an ostensible
letter, in the strongest terms, upon the conduct of the
Portuguese, with respect to our trade at Lisbon. If you had all
remained in office I should have seriously proposed reprisals on
their effects in our ports, as the only means to bring them to a
sense of what is due to Ireland; as it is, I wish for many
reasons to leave to Ireland a proof of the pains which you know
I have taken upon that subject.
Adieu, my dear Townshend; excuse the name, it has dropped from
my pen, and reminds me that I have not assured you of the
cordial interest I take in your creation; but till I am more
familiarized to Sydney, the former name more easily recalls
those feelings of regard, with which I am ever,
Your very faithful and affectionate servant,
(Signed) Nugent Temple.
Many thanks for your exertions on Lord Rawdon's business: it has
been shamefully delayed, and I thought the stoppage of
subsistence the likely means to bring it forward; but you will
easily believe that I have taken care, though it is nominally
stopped, yet that the men are paid.
Rt. Hon. Lord Sydney.
By this time the arrangements were completed, and the new Ministers had
kissed hands.