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think I wronged you, if you were to be kept in ignorance, were my illness, as yet, serious.

I expect Lord Temple every hour in town, and am all impatience and solicitude for his determination. Heaven guard and preserve my love, and our little academy!

Your ever loving husband,

W. PITT.

JOHN CALCRAFT, ESQ. TO MR. PITT.

Sackville Street, Tuesday night, twelve o'clock, [July 15, 1766.]

DEAR SIR,

I HAVE Some reason to fear Lord Temple's reception at Richmond was not the most flattering; of which I take the liberty to give you this hint, as you possibly may qualify it at your meeting. I can confirm what I said, that there are no engagements, and must do his Lordship the justice to add, his sentiments towards you are what I wished to find them.

I long to hear you have recovered your fatigue, and have both kissed hands; though there are others in town, who exist with very contrary hopes than those of, dear Sir,

Yours most faithfully and respectfully,
J. CALCRAFT.

EARL TEMPLE TO MR. PITT.

Tuesday night, past twelve, [July 15, 1766.]

It is agreed with the King, that your audience be put off, that you and I may have full time to talk together. So I will call upon you early, and pass the whole day with you. I am, most affectionately, your loving brother,

TEMPLE.

THE RIGHT HON. HENRY SEYMOUR CONWAY (1)

TO MR. PITT.

London, July 15, 1766.

SIR,

ex

HAVING received a letter from the Duke of Grafton, by which I am much disappointed, pecting instead of it to have seen his Grace by this time in town; and finding that, from the firm reliance he has upon every thing you may advise or settle, his Grace may possibly be still two or three days before he comes, I have immediately dispatched a messenger, whom I have ordered to call for your commands, and should wish, if you approved it, that you would say a short word to press his Grace: as, from what you did me the honour to say, I know

(1) Second son of Francis, first Lord Conway, and brother of Francis, first Earl of Hertford. He was at this time secretary of state for the northern department.

how desirable you think his presence at this moment; and as for my own little part in the very delicate situation you were so good as to be sensible I stand, I feel it impossible to act conclusively, without his concurrence and advice.

I was extremely concerned, Sir, to hear that a little indisposition had carried you into the country. I hope for every reason, public and private, it will be as slight and short as possible. Nobody can, on all accounts, more sincerely wish you, Sir, a perfect establishment of that health, so necessary to your own comfort and your country's most essential service. I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,

Your obedient and faithful servant,

H. S. CONWAY.

THE EARL OF NORTHINGTON TO MR. PITT.

July 17, 1766, 5 p. m.

LORD NORTHINGTON presents his compliments to Mr. Pitt. He received Mr. Pitt's letter, while he was with the King, at the Queen's house this morning, and laid the contents before his Majesty; who was most generously and tenderly pleased to desire Mr. Pitt should consult his own health, withal desiring that when he found himself able, he would communicate the same to his Majesty.

When Mr. Pitt has fixed his plan and purpose, Lord Northington desires to have notice, as he stays in town, waiting that event only.

MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM.

MY DEAREST LIFE,

North-end, July 17, 1766.

I SEND this by an express, that I may the sooner have the joy of reading a letter from you in return. The state of my health is not yet quite what it should be; some fever hanging upon me, and the conversation, from its length and issue yesterday, with Lord Temple, having been rather too much for my situation, which was greatly mended, though not quite in a natural state. My pulse quickened towards evening, so that I am advised to be peremptory with all business, and shut my door till I am quite free from fever.

Our dear Lord Temple returns to Stowe tomorrow, after having his audience of the King to-day. I must do justice to the kind and affectionate behaviour which he held throughout the whole of our long talk; words would not paint it, were it fit for me to write long.

I will only say on the political state, that the King's goodness was truly affecting to me in my long audience. Embrace all the sweet children

for papa.

Your ever loving husband,

W. PITT.

MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM.

North-end, Saturday, 4 o'clock, July 19, 1766,

I ACT upon honour in what I say. I am so well as to have seen the Duke of Grafton to-day for two hours, without having my pulse in the least quickened, and I trust I shall be able, without risk, to attend the King by about Wednesday next. Be composed, my love. I trust in Providence, which carried me through so much, that I shall be preserved for the unlaborious work now before me, in comparison of former times. My general health seems not in the least shaken; the feverish heat was merely fatigue. Again and again may the Almighty guard you! Your ever loving husband,

W. PITT.

THE EARL OF NORTHINGTON TO MR. PITT.

DEAR SIR,

Sunday, 5 p. m. July 20, 1766.

HAVING seen his Majesty after the drawing-room to-day, I now sit down to answer your very obliging letter; which, as far as it related to myself, I could not before do.

The invidious share that I have taken in the present business was the result of my sensible

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