I take up the pen with more than ordinary desire to succeed in the
business I am, by the King’s command, to write to you upon. I earnestly
wished to have carried to his Majesty some little opening of your mind;
something that might have pointed towards that mark of his royal favour
he seems impatient to bestow upon you.[1]
As that was not in my power, the King has desired me to mention two
ideas; wishing to have the one most agreeable to you carried into
immediate execution: but, if neither should be suitable to your
inclinations, it is hoped that you will not be averse to give his
Majesty a little insight into your own thoughts upon this subject. The
government of the province of Canada, with a salary of five thousand
pounds, seemed to strike the King most; and that for two reasons:
the first, as you would preside over a province acquired by your own
ability and firmness; secondly, as it would convey to all the world his
Majesty’s intentions of never parting with that great and important
conquest. The objection of its not being tenable with a seat in
parliament is foreseen; but a short bill might remedy that in this new
case; in the preamble of which the King’s reasons for this appointment
would be set forth. If, however, this should not strike you in the same
light it does his Majesty, the next thing I am ordered to mention is
the chancellor of the duchy, with the salary annexed to it as before
mentioned.
You will please, Sir, to consider these as proofs of the King’s earnest
desire to show this country the high opinion he has of your merit. If
they do not entirely please, impute it to the want of information I
before hinted at; and do me the justice to believe, that I never shall
execute any commission with more pleasure than I have done this.
I am, Sir, with the highest regard,
Your most obedient humble servant,
BUTE.[2]
_Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Bute, October 7, 1761._
[From a rough draught in Mr. Pitt’s handwriting.]