Whitehall, Nov. 7th, 1787.
My dear Brother,
I have received your letter of yesterday. I do not know what I
can say on the subject, more than you will have learnt from
Pitt's letter. If you really feel disposed to insist on the
engagement, without waiting ten days to hear the difficulties
explained to you, or the solution proposed, I have no doubt,
from a thorough knowledge of Pitt's honour, that he will most
strictly and literally fulfil his promise, whatever the
inconvenience may be to himself. I have only to add, in answer
to one part of your letter, that you must recollect that
Harley's promotion, instead of being a breach of the rule, was
in the strictest adherence to it; and that Lord Lonsdale was
obliged to make his recommendation to Carlisle conformable to
it.
I saw Orde to-day, who, understanding that you do not come up
till the 17th, returns to Bath, as he was waiting here only to
see you. He pressed so much to know his successor, that I
thought there could be no impropriety in telling him in
confidence, especially as he will see Fitzherbert at Bath, and
may there settle with him the variety of private arrangements
which must be adjusted between them.
I enclose a letter from Mornington. I have not seen Captain
Fortescue, as I have been out of town till to-day.
I have just seen Sir James Erskine, who is come with a message
from St. Leger, to say that he has the disposal of the vacant
seat at Doneraile, which he is desirous of offering to you for
your secretary. I referred him to you; and when you come to town
will tell you more about it.
Ever most affectionately yours,
W. W. Grenville.