to the general contents, I cannot help adding, that I congratulate you, very sincerely, on so honourable and so gracious a distinction.

I think myself very happy, in being the channel of conveying, what I think doth you so much honour, and I am persuaded will tend to the ease and happiness of so amiable and respectable a Sovereign, and to the advantage of this distracted kingdom.

It is the duty of my office to attend in London (though my health requires air and the country). If, therefore, on your arrival, you want any information, I shall be very ready and willing to afford you all I can.

I have the honour to be, with great respect, Dear Sir,

Your most obedient,

most humble servant,

NORTHINGTON.

P.S.-I have not uttered a word of this business but to Lord Camden.

totally unworthy of practical statesmen. The meeting was dissolved, without coming to any definitive resolution; and, on the following day, the Lord Chancellor, at an audience, informed the King that the ministry could not retain their situations; declined attending any more cabinet meetings; and refused, under these circumstances, to hold the great seal. On the 12th of July, the administration of the Marquis of Rockingham terminated. Having held their offices," says Mr. Burke, "under many difficulties and discouragements, they left them at the express command, as they had accepted them at the earnest request, of their royal master."

THE KING TO MR. PITT.

MR. PITT,

Richmond Lodge, July 7, 1766.

YOUR very dutiful and handsome conduct the last summer makes me desirous of having your thoughts how an able and dignified ministry may be formed. I desire, therefore, you will come, for this salutary purpose, to town.

I cannot conclude without expressing how entirely my ideas concerning the basis on which a new administration should be erected, are consonant to the opinion you gave on that subject in parliament a few days before you set out for Somersetshire. (1)

I convey this through the channel of the Earl of Northington; as there is no man in my service on whom I so thoroughly rely, and who, I know, agrees with me so perfectly in the contents of this letter.

GEORGE R.

(1) It is to be regretted that no trace of the speech referred to by his Majesty has been preserved. It was probably spoken in April, in the course of the debates on the illegality of general warrants, as Sir Andrew Mitchell in a note to Mr. Pitt, on the 25th of that month, "desires to know how he does after his fatigues in the House of Commons, and hopes he will appoint a time when he may converse with him once more, before he goes to Berlin; for without such a conversation, Sir Andrew thinks his journey will be to no purpose."

MR. PITT TO THE EARL OF NORTHINGTON.

[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]

MY LORD,

Tuesday, ten o'clock, [July 8, 1766.]

I RECEIVED this morning the honour of your Lordship's very obliging letter, inclosing his Majesty's most gracious commands in writing to me. I am indeed unable to express what I feel of unfeigned gratitude, duty, and zeal, upon this most affecting occasion. I will only say, that the remnant of my life, body, heart and mind, is at the direction of our most gracious and clement Sovereign.

I will hasten to town as fast as I am able, and will, at my arrival, take the liberty to avail myself of the very kind permission, your Lordship is so good as to allow me, of troubling you: in the mean time, I beg to express in a word, how truly sensible I am of the great honour your Lordship does me by such favourable sentiments on my subject, and to assure you how proud and happy I am in receiving such flattering marks of friendship and confidence from your Lordship.

I am, my Lord, &c.,

WILLIAM PITT.

MR. PITT TO THE KING.

[From a draught in Mr. Pitt's handwriting.]

SIRE,

Tuesday, [July 8, 1766.]

PENETRATED with the deepest sense of your Majesty's boundless goodness to me, and with a heart overflowing with duty and zeal for the honour and the happiness of the most gracious and benign Sovereign, I shall hasten to London, as fast as I possibly can; wishing that I could change infirmity into wings of expedition, the sooner to be permitted the high honour to lay at your Majesty's feet, the poor but sincere offering of the little services of

Your Majesty's

most dutiful subject,

and devoted servant,

WILLIAM PITT.

THE KING TO MR. PITT.

Richmond Lodge, Saturday, July 12, 1766. MR. PITT,

THE Chancellor has acquainted me with your arrival in town. I desire, therefore, you will, if not too much fatigued with your journey, come here by one o'clock.

GEORGE R.

MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM.

Harley Street, July 12, 1766.

I WRITE this hasty line to my dearest life from the house of the Hoods ('); where I am perfectly well lodged. The history which I am happy to think my love wishes to hear is this, that I got safe to town, not over well, having found the fatigue of the first day too much for me. The bile was roused, and a little quickness of pulse made my own Esculapian skill necessary. I am, upon honour, much better to-day; have been at Richmond, and returned to a five o'clock chicken, which, had you been with me, would have been a happy banquet.

I expect Mr. James Grenville from Pinner every minute. I will not say how I long for the western. post. May Heaven keep my love and our dear children well, and may I hear soon that you are all delighted with Weymouth! I expect many sage reflections from William, upon the public papers. Many blessings and tender kisses to them all. My pen is stopt by company entering. Good night.

W. PITT.

(1) Captain Alexander Hood, afterwards Lord Bridport. Mrs. Hood was the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Richard West, prebendary of Durham, sister of Gilbert West the poet, and a connexion of Lady Chatham.