Whitehall, Nov. 8th, 1787.
My dear Brother,
I can with the greatest sincerity assure you that I am not by
any means indifferent to the point in question on Cleaver's
account, as far as his situation can be affected by it; but that
if I were entirely so, the interest which you take in it would
be abundantly sufficient to secure, not only my most active
exertions, but also my warmest wishes in support of whatever you
may have to desire with respect to it. But you cannot, I am
sure, think me unreasonable if I do most seriously and earnestly
desire that you will not press me to convey to Pitt sentiments
founded on what I conceive to be a total misapprehension of the
subject, and relating to a business on which he so naturally
expects to converse with you, and which, whatever may be its
ultimate arrangement, can neither be forwarded nor delayed for
many weeks after your return to town. If, when you come back,
you persist in your opinion that it will be proper to decline
all conversation on the subject, it is perfectly easy for you to
express that opinion; or, if you wished it, I would certainly
not decline to convey your sentiments, however I might differ
from them. I should undoubtedly think that such a determination
was neither handsome towards Pitt, nor at all calculated to
promote Cleaver's interest; but it would then rest with you, and
no inconvenience will certainly have arisen from the delay. From
my delivering such a message in the present moment, I know
nothing that could arise but a total interruption of all
confidence where it is most necessary. To my feelings, nothing
could justify such a proceeding but a direct breach of
engagement; and, in the present instance, you have received a
direct assurance of a determination to fulfil the engagement if
you think proper to insist upon it.
The other particulars are of much less importance. Pretyman's
appointment was never denied to be a breach of the rule.
Harley's tended to restore the equality which that had
interrupted. Grisdale was an Oxford man; I did not therefore
state the refusal of him to have been made on that ground, but I
repeat that Lord Lonsdale was expressly told that no
recommendation of a Cambridge man would be accepted.
I have nothing to do with Doneraile, except in a promise of
conveying to you the proposition on the subject, as it was made
to me by Sir James Erskine, who is a friend of St. Leger's. I do
not clearly understand from your letter whether you comply with
Fortescue's request. If you do, it would be a charity to let him
know it, as he is remaining in London. I am much surprised at
Mr. Griffith's delay.
There is every appearance that the Dutch negotiation is going on
prosperously; so much so, that it is even not impossible that we
may have the treaty by the meeting of Parliament, which would
unquestionably be very desirable.
Adieu, my dear brother,
Believe me ever most sincerely and affectionately yours,
W. W. G.