Whitehall, Nov. 14th, 1788.
My dear Brother,
By a cursed blunder of Lord Sydney's messenger, he went away
last night without calling for my letter. Lord Sydney sends
another man to-day; but I have resolved to keep him till I can
send you this morning's account. That of yesterday evening was,
I think, in so far favourable, as it clearly shows that the King
is no longer in that settled state of derangement without other
disease, which was most to be apprehended, but that his disorder
is taking some turn, and whatever that may ultimately be, it
must be far more desirable than the continuance of his former
state. I am assured, that it was last night the opinion of
medical people, that the turn which seemed probable was one from
which it was not too sanguine to hope the best effects. I do
not, however, indulge this idea too far.
I mentioned yesterday, to Mornington, your kind intentions
towards him. He will write to you, to explain his situation
fully.
Pitt is gone down this morning to Windsor.
Ever most affectionately yours,
W. W. G.
You will be, perhaps, surprised to hear that Pitt has received a
very handsome letter from Lord Chesterfield, dated from
Weymouth, stating the alarm there for the King's life; and
desiring Pitt to do him the justice of believing him in that and
every other contingency, sincerely and personally attached to
him. I am not without hopes, that this may be improved into a
decided support of your interest in case of a contest; but you
well know the difficulties with which this would be attended.
I have just received the copy of the paper sent to St. James's,
which is by no means such as one could wish it. I wait for a
more particular account before I send this off.
One o'clock.
I now send off the messenger, though with little more
intelligence than before; but this is all I can get till Pitt
returns from Windsor, which may not be till late at night.
Here is Lord Mornington's letter, alluded to by Mr. Grenville.