Thus, Sir, the matter stands. On the other hand, every dissatisfied person is endeavouring to persuade the Duke of Portland, Dowdeswell, &c., that they are slighted by being left without any notice whether they are to be in or out. The consequences of all these points considered, and the declarations that have been spread by Mr. Townshend's friends, that he is not to be the man, joined to the inclosed note I have received from him since I have begun this letter, convince me, that I must and do readily wave my own feelings; readily embrace the proposition of leaving Mr. Dowdeswell where he is, as I plainly perceive that it is for the general good, and very likely for my own private ease of mind. Thus, Sir, you will judge what is proper to be hinted to him, and I am sure will do it in the best manner; but some intimation seems necessary. Lord John Cavendish, by letter, has signified to me his intentions of quitting. I shall be in town on Sunday evening, and if you would have me wait on you in my way to town, it is but little out of my way, and a line by to-night's post will be obeyed, if directed to Wakefield Lodge, near Stony Stratford, Bucks. I am, Sir, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Your very faithful humble servant, GRAFTON. P.S.I recollect that the post does not go to Stony Stratford to-night, but by inclosing it to the post-master at Newport Pagnell, with orders to send it over, the letter will get to me early in the day to-morrow. My brother (1) told me, that on dining with the young people at Holland-house, Lord Tavistock (2) had declared to him, that the Duke of Bedford would see with pleasure the Treasury filled as intended, and yourself at the head of the administration; that the Duke would have no post again, but by placing properly a few of his friends he would be perfectly satisfied with what was doing. I thought it right to open my letter again, to give you this information, which opens more the scene. In case you approve of Mr. Dowdeswell, I have left in Mr. Conway's hands, who means to wait on you this evening, a note drawn up with my compliments to him, to be sent or not as you shall think proper. () The Hon. Charles Fitzroy, at this time colonel of the fourteenth dragoons, one of the grooms of the bed-chamber, and member for St. Edmundsbury. In 1780, he was created Baron Southampton, of Southampton, in the county of Hants; and died in 1797. (2) Francis Russell, marquis of Tavistock, father of the present Duke of Bedford, and at this time member for Bedford. In the following March, this young nobleman fractured his skull, by a fall from his horse, while hunting, of which he died. He married Lady Elizabeth Keppel, daughter of the Earl of Albemarle; who, inconsolable for her loss, died with grief, in the following year. [Enclosure.] THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES TOWNSHEND TO THE DUKE OF GRAFTON. MY DEAR LORD, Friday noon, [July 25, 1766.] I MEAN to desire an audience this morning of the King. If any thing should pass, you will give me leave to transmit it to you. I cannot conclude without repeating my assurances of inseparable at tachment to your Grace and Mr. Pitt, (') and my satisfaction to recollect that the late transaction has had one good effect, that of bringing me to be known with more exactness both by your Grace and Mr. Pitt. Upon the whole, it is possibly as well for the public, that things are finally settled as they are, and I agree with Mr. Pitt in his idea of the dangers arising from sudden variations in matters once communicated. An union with An union with you is a great object with me; but that may be formed as we are. I am, with the utmost regard, my dear Lord, Your affectionate and faithful humble servant C. TOWNSHend. (1) In a letter written in June, 1765, to Mr. Charles Dingley, at whose house, at North-end, Mr. Pitt was now residing, Mr. Townshend says: "I thank you for your account of our friend at Hayes. I rejoice to hear he grows so much better; for, believe me, events every hour hasten that issue, in which Mr. Pitt's superior talents, his unrivalled weight with the nation, and his reputation in Europe, must give him the decision of every point in the re-establishment of this distracted and unhappy country." THE KING TO MR. PITT. MR. PITT, St. James's, 15 m. past four, p. m., I THINK it necessary to acquaint you with my having seen Mr. Townshend; who expressed to me his reasons for having determined to stay in the Pay-office. I told him there must be some misunderstanding, for that you had this morning acquainted me with his desire of being Chancellor of the Exchequer. He left me, uncertain what he should do; but that, if he took it, he must say it was by my express commands, not his choice; that what he held was more honourable and worth seven thousand pounds per annum, whilst the other was but two thousand five hundred pounds; that if he accepted, he hoped he should have some indemnification; that Lord Rockingham being quiet would much depend on Mr. Dowdeswell's remaining Chancellor of the Exchequer. In short, he left me in a state of great uncertainty, and means to talk again with you. From Lord Rockingham I learned, that if Lord Dartmouth is not made a third secretary of state, he will retire; therefore, a first lord of trade must be thought of. GEORGE R. THE KING TO MR. PITT. MR. PITT, Richmond Lodge, 15 m. past eight, a. m. I RECEIVED your letter last night, and am entirely of opinion with you, that it is essential Mr. Townshend must be obliged to put in execution what he so clearly expressed to you as his wish. My only reason for writing to you was, that you might be apprised of his fluctuating. Mr. Stanley's conduct causes me no surprise; as I am thoroughly persuaded of his attachment and zeal for my service. I desire, therefore, you will appoint him to be with me after the drawing-room, to-morrow. GEORGE R. THE RIGHT HON. CHARLES TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT. DEAR SIR, July 26, 1766. I HAVE the honour of your friendly letter, in which you are so kind as to relate to me the manner in which you have this day represented to his Majesty the conversations which have passed between us upon the subject of the Chancellorship of |