The fatal consequences of this disunion are too obvious to admit of much observation. All I will say is, that my resistance of my Lord Mansfield's influence is not made in animosity to the man, but in opposition to his principles. If his ways of thinking are to prevail in Westminster-hall, it is indifferent to me, whether his lordship's name, or any other, is to sound the highest among the long-robe.

I should do Mr. Yorke great injustice, if I did not acknowledge the many obliging expressions which he did me the honour to employ on my personal subject, as well as those with regard to my friend Lord

anonymous paper, to asperse him by name, was a cowardly scoundrel.' Wilkes, the next morning, wrote a letter to Martin, acknowledging himself the author of that paper; and they proceeded to Hyde Park, where the duel was fought. The wound is not thought dangerous; but it occasioned the putting off the consideration of the question of privilege to the 23d, and the House proceeded on the King's speech. Mr. Pitt spoke with great ability, and the utmost degree of temper. He said he had not altered his opinion of the peace, which he still thought inadequate to our situation and successes; but that, being made and approved by parliament, nothing more unfortunate could happen, than that it should be broken; that it was every man's business to contribute all he could to make it lasting, and to improve it; for which purpose he recommended union, and abolition of party distinctions, as absolutely necessary. He spoke civilly, and not unfairly, of the ministers; but of the King, he said every thing which duty and affection could inspire. The effect of this was a vote for an address, nem. con. I think, if fifty thousand pounds had been given for that speech, it would have been well expended. It secures us a quiet session; and, with the help of a division of 300 to 111, the day before, will give strength and reputation to government, both at home and abroad."-Mitchell MSS.

Chief Justice Pratt. I am going to Hayes, and sincerely rejoice to carry with me the satisfaction of knowing, that Lord Rockingham is much better.

I am, my Lord, your Lordship's &c.,

W. PITT.

THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT.

DEAR SIR,

Claremont, October 14, 1763.

I RECEIVED this morning the honour of your letter; which has given me a concern, which I am afraid will not soon be removed.

I have had very little discourse of late with Mr. Attorney-general, relating to any incidental questions that might arise in parliament, upon the proceedings in Mr. Wilkes's case. Sometime ago, when the question was fresh, I found Mr. Attorneygeneral disposed to adhere to what he had done, and the opinion he had been of when he was consulted as attorney-general, and had acted as such; and then, or soon after, I understood from him, that he had had some discourse with you upon the subject.

I always feared that some difference of opinion might, unfortunately, arise upon these points, if they should come into the House; but as I did not know the particular question upon which that difference might happen, and as I was not so able, or

so well instructed upon these points, as I should be, I did hope that if some previous things could be settled, an amicable discussion and consideration of such points might reconcile these differences; and in that hope, I chose rather to leave these points of difference to be discussed in that manner, than, by an improper intermeddling on my part, defeat my own wish and view of removing those difficulties, if they should arise.

I say this in justification of myself, for not having brought the question immediately under consideration. I may have erred in judgment, but it arose singly from a good intention. I believe, and indeed know, that others, who have known more of Mr. Attorney-general's opinion upon these points, have reasoned in the same manner, and from the same causes, with myself. I most sincerely lament this unhappy circumstance; and see from it, the fatal consequences of this disunion, if no methods can yet be found to prevent it. I have done, and shall do, every thing in my power to remove all obstacles which might create any coolness or difference amongst those, who alone, in my opinion, can save this country and this government, if not from utter ruin, at least from contempt and insignificance, both at home and abroad, and establish such an administration and such a conduct of affairs as may, in some measure, recover our credit abroad, and make the best provision that the present situation will admit of, for the security of our interests at home, the honour of the King, and the

ease and satisfaction of the nation. I once thought that hour near: I am sorry to say (and particularly from what I have seen this day), that I think it farther off than ever. I will not, however, despair. The prudent interposition of friends may reconcile differences of opinion in points of business, as well as of personal considerations. That interposition, I am sure, will not be wanting.

I shall take the first safe opportunity of writing myself to the Duke of Devonshire upon this subject; who, I am sure, will agree with me, not only in lamenting the thing, but in endeavouring to remove the cause of it. I have this morning a letter from Mr. Legge, which will be entirely to your satisfaction. I am, with the greatest truth and respect, dear Sir,

Your most affectionate humble servant,
HOLLES NEWCASTLE.

THE RT. HON. CHARLES TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT.

DEAR SIR,

Grosvenor Square, October 31, 1763.

I AM much mortified to find I have twice lost an opportunity of seeing you this day, and that, by calling at your door, I was prevented being at home, when you did me the honour of inquiring after me. If your stay in town should be short, and your time should be engaged, I beg the favour of

being permitted to wait upon you at Hayes, that I may have an opportunity of expressing, at least in part, the sincere and grateful sense I bear of your partiality, generosity, and friendship, towards me upon a late occasion. (') So distinguished a testimony of Mr. Pitt's approbation and regard, given without my knowledge, and in a manner so very delicate towards me, must and ever will, as long as I have any judgment or gratitude, constitute my chief honour and satisfaction in life.

I am, with the truest personal regard, and the most perfect consideration,

Dear Sir, your most obliged and

most obedient humble servant,

C. TOWNSHEnd.

SIR,

VISCOUNT IRWIN (2) TO MR. PITT.

Templenewsam, November 5, 1763.

As I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, I am under a necessity of troubling you with a letter-a liberty which my

(1) Mr. Charles Townshend was one of the five or six persons whom Mr. Pitt, in his recent interview with the King, had named for particular places.

(2) Charles Ingram, Esq., member for Horsham, and one of the grooms of the bed-chamber, had succeeded to the title in May, on the death of his uncle, the right hon. and rev. Dr. George Ingram, Viscount Irwin.