Pall Mall, May 7th, 1783.
By Lord Northington's Messenger.
My dear Brother,
I understand from Lord Northington, whom I saw to-day, that both
he and Lord North write to you this evening on the subject of
his departure, which I understand to be fixed for the beginning
of June.
I had some conversation with him on the subject, in which I
enlarged upon the ideas of your letter, your personal good-will
and wishes for his success, the mischief of the delay, and the
difficulties of your situation; and particularly stated the
circumstances of Ireland with respect to its army, to the
Fencibles, and to the different points of commerce which call
for the immediate interposition of Government, and which we
meant to have settled by having a Parliament sitting at this
time, if things had gone on as they were. His observations on
all this you will, I suppose, receive to-night.
I am in some doubt what to do about coming over to you, as, on
account of the Prince's death, there is no levée to-day, nor, I
fear, on Friday. If there is, I will set out that evening. It is
the more unfortunate, as I wished to know the King's ideas as to
your coming away. Your provocation is certainly very great; yet
I cannot help fearing that such a step will hurt you here. I
still wish to see the King, and will try it, if I can.
Pitt's motion comes on to-day; but nobody knows it, though it is
imagined to go only to fifty or one hundred Knights, and to some
enlargement of boroughs, to take place only on proof of
delinquency, as in the case of Cricklade and Shoreham.
No news of any Dutch peace, nor can I guess why we are arming,
as is said to be the case; but query. Adieu.
Ever yours,
W. W. G.