London, Saturday, April 26th, 1783.
My dear Lord,
I am very much ashamed at having so long delayed my very sincere
thanks for the effectual attention your Excellency has given to
my wishes in favour of Mr. Coppinger and Mr. Doyle. My gratitude
for this mark of your friendship is not less sincere than that
which poor Doyle feels, and I certainly could not do more
justice to it than by expressing it in the same terms which he
has used upon this occasion, as they most emphatically describe
the feelings of his heart. I cannot say that this circumstance
has added to the concern with which I learnt your determination
to resign the Government of Ireland, because the measure of the
misfortune was full before this event, but it considerably
increases the regret with which I contemplate the difference of
opinion which now subsists between us, and almost inclines me to
doubt the degree of obedience which my ideas of duty to the
public make requisite. But this is a subject upon which my
silence hitherto must indicate my disinclination to enter. I
wish, at this moment, as little to defend as to arraign. Your
Excellency is as well satisfied with your conduct as I am with
mine. Time may do more than argument, and desirous as I am for
the concurrence of your opinion upon public questions, continue
me in the possession of your private friendship, and I will
accept that as an auspicious omen.
I am, with great truth and regard,
My dear Lord,
Your Excellency's most obedient and obliged humble servant,
Portland.