THE KING TO MR. PITT. MR. PITT, Richmond Lodge, 15 m. past 7. LORD TEMPLE has been with me, and has desired me not to see you to-morrow, that he may have time fully to talk with you. I have, therefore, entrusted him to acquaint you, I shall not expect you then; but, on recollection, I think it may be both of utility and not void of amazement, for you to know the substance of what has passed. I opened to him a desire of seeing him in the Treasury, and, in conjunction with you, chalking out such an administration as can be formed, considering the unhappy divisions that subsist between men, yet taking the present administration for the basis to build on, with such alterations as might appear necessary. I am sorry to see, though we only kept in generals, that he seems to incline to quarters very heterogeneous to my and your ideas, and almost a total exclusion to the present men,-which is not your plan; but as we did not come to particulars, I hope I am not quite founded in my apprehensions. I concluded with saying, I should only agree to such a plan as you could with pleasure be a part of; but not to one, wherein you had not a principal share. I should wish to see you on Thursday at eleven, at the Queen's house; as that will give you time to consider the whole of this weighty matter. This letter remains a perfect secret betwixt me and you, if you think it best that it should. GEORGE R. MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM. North-end, July 15, 1766. My love will be pleased to receive a line, dated from this bower of refreshment, which indeed I began to want extremely. The rate honest Smith met me going at, and "blessed himself," (') proved too much for me; especially as I could not give myself the repose I wanted at the end of my journey. In a word, three hot nights in town rendered a retreat hither necessary; where I brought yesterday a feverish heat and much bile, and have almost lost it already. I write with my own hand, merely because I have just been told, that the newspapers make me very ill, and in Harley-street. Let this account put my love at ease; for I write upon honour, and should (1) Mr. Pitt here alludes to a passage in a letter from Lady Chatham, which had just reached him "Some time since I began this letter, Smith's honest yeomanry face has made its appearance upon Burton Hill. He tells me he met you four miles on the other side of Marlborough, 'Lud a mercy! going at such a rate!'" 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, 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) SIR, TO MR. PITT. London, July 15, 1766. HAVING received a letter from the Duke of Grafton, by which I am much disappointed, expecting 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. |