I laid the contents of your letter before his Majesty; who was
graciously pleased to admit of the reasons you gave for not accepting
office, and to approve of the respectful openings some part of the
letter afforded.
Having received the King’s commands to consider of the most becoming
method of carrying his intentions into execution, I have lost no time
in my researches. The English civil list would by no means answer;
the Irish had objections: one only thing remained, that could possibly
serve the King’s generous purpose. This his Majesty approves of, and
has directed me accordingly to acquaint you, that as you declined
accepting any office, his Majesty will confer the dignity of peerage on
Lady Hester Pitt, to descend through her ladyship to your sons, with a
grant of three thousand pounds per annum, on the plantation duties, to
yourself and any two other lives you shall name. These unusual marks of
the royal approbation cannot fail to be agreeable to a mind like yours.
Permit me to assure you, that the communicating of them gives me the
greatest pleasure.
I am, Sir, with unfeigned regard,
Your most obedient humble servant,
BUTE.
_Mr. Pitt to the Earl of Bute, October 8, 1761._
[From a draught in Mr. Pitt’s handwriting.]
I have not words to express the sentiments of veneration and gratitude
with which I receive the unbounded effects of beneficence and grace,
which the most benign of sovereigns has condescended to bestow on me,
and on those most dear to me.
Your Lordship will not wonder if the sensations which possess my whole
breast refuse me the power of describing their extent, and leave me
only to beg your Lordship will be so good as to lay me and Lady Hester
at the King’s feet, and to offer for us to his Majesty the genuine
tribute of the truly feeling heart; which I will dare to hope, the same
royal benevolence which showers on the unmeritorious such unlimited
benefits may deign to accept with equal condescension and goodness.
I am, &c.
W. PITT.