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The Marquis of Rockingham waited on the Duke of Bedford (Thursday July 29), and expressed his desire that no difference might arise between them on account of what had passed, but that they might continue in the same union and friendship as before.

On Friday July 24, Mr. Conway attempted to renew the negotiation with the Marquis of Rockingham, separately; but the Marquis refused to leave his friends.

All negotiation being now at an end, the leading persons in administration met to consider on what should be their future conduct. They all agreed to remain in their places.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Mr. Townshend resolves to be Minister-Dies-Lord North appointed-Lord Chatham goes into Somersetshire-The Bedford Interest join the Ministry -Duke of Bedford's Apology to Mr. Grenville, and Mr. Grenville's Answer-Lord Chatham returns to Hayes-French purchase Corsica-Difference between the Duke of Bedford and Lord Shelburne-Lord Rochford resigns-Lord Shelburne resigns-Fine Diamond Ring presented to his Majesty-Lord Rochford made Secretary of State, with the Reasons-Lord Chatham resignsLord Bute goes abroad-Lord Townshend continued in Ireland.

MR. Townshend observing, that no notice had been taken of him in the preceding negotiations for a change of ministers, resolved to resent this contempt, with which he had been treated. Administration had been for some time without a leader, and was still considered to be in want of one. Lord Chatham was thought to be irrecoverable. This situation seemed to afford him an opportunity for the uncontrouled exercise of his talents. He determined to embrace it. Therefore he instantly joined the Court, with the most full and explicit de

claration of sincerity. His alliance was favourably received; and he gave a proof of his power, by creating his lady an English Peeress, with the remainder to his son. Had he lived, he would have been first Lord of the Treasury before the ensuing session of Parliament; and Mr. Torke was to have been his Chancellor. His death, which happened early in the month of September, threw both the Court and the Ministry into fresh difficulties. Every effort had been made to form a new administration in vain. Every party had been solicited, individuals separately, and connections jointly, without success. But there was one part of the Royal Family that had not publicly appeared in any of these negotiations: this was the Princess of Wales.

Mr. Townshend's place of Chancellor of the Exchequer was offered to several Gentlemen, who refused to accept of it. At length it was thought of giving it to Lord Barrington, pro tempore. Lord Mansfield attempted to open a negotiation with the Duke of Bedford. But his Grace refused to enter into any separate treaty. Lord North, who, during Mr. Grenville's administration, had been entrusted with all the motions against Mr. Wilkes,

*He brought in the bill laying a duty upon tea in America. (See Appendix W.)

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was desired to succeed Mr. Townshend, but he declined it. The Princess of Wales went to the King. His Lordship was again entreated-he took time to consider of it-he consulted his father. After hesitating three weeks, he yielded. The Princess's influence prevailed. Mr. Thomas Townshend, now Lord Sydney, succeeded Lord North at the Pay office, and Mr. Jenkinson, now Lord Liverpool, succeeded Mr. Townshend at the Treasury.

In making this arrangement, no communication was had with Lord Chatham, by either the Court or the Ministry. As soon as his health permitted, he retired into Somersetshire. His departure from the vicinity of the metropolis, though he had not been consulted in any business whatever, was considered by the Ministry as a kind of dereliction of public business. However, he continued to hold the Privy Seal.

The Duke of Grafton, who sometime ago wished to resign, on account of Lord Chatham's infirmity, now changed his opinion; but Lord Northington and General Conway still expressing

*Lord Bristol gave the same reason for resigning the Lieutenancy of Ireland at the end of July, “That he had no hope of having the advice, direction, and assistance of Lord Chatham." Upon which Lord Townshend was appointed.

their desire to resign, his Grace resolved to try the friends of the Duke of Bedford once more. If they had refused, he must have resigned, and a new administration must have been formed. But the persons to whom his Grace made his offers, could not withstand the temptation any longer; they separated from their friends and allies; thereby preventing the, appointment of an able and powerful administration, and bargained to support the present, which seemed to consist of the remnants and refuse of all parties. Lord Gower was made Lord President, in the room of Lord Northington; Lord Weymouth, Secretary of State, in the room of Mr. Conway; Mr. Rigby, Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, in the room of Mr. Oswald, who had a large pension and a lucrative reversion. Lord Hillsborough was made Secretary of State for America *. Lord Sandwich, made Post-master, &c. While the negotiation for these changes was under consideration, the Duke of Bedford said to Mr. Grenville, 'That he hoped it would not be considered as a breach of good faith, if his friends thought them

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*The creation of this new office, and the character of the noble Lord who was appointed to it, were such strong marks of the designs, the plan, and the resolution taken, with respect to the Colonies, that an alarm instantly went forth amongst them. Nothing could more clearly signify, that the Court were preparing to make them the objects of some extraordinary measure—since another Secretary of State, with a complete establishment of office,

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