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Cha*. given him any money, nor would lord Rsckirtg

v\TM^V, ham make him any promise; and that he had

1766. been forced to borrow one hundred pounds of

Mr. Fitzberbert, as a private friend. He had

received one hundred and thirty pounds before,

from the subscription of one thoufand pound per

annum, promised by the ministry, of Mr. Vii-v

herberi: which made the whole received of this

boasted affair.six hundred and thirty pounds for

the year 176-3. Mr. fVtlkea. said he would cer*

tainly come in November, and take his chance.

"Sir IV. Baker a steed Lord Rocking ham what he intended for Mr. IVilkes? J,ord Rockingham answered, Mr. IVilkes must trust to his honour. Sir IV. Baker said be would certainly have no objection to do that, but thought that something should be mentioned of his intentions; that if his Lordship would give his honour to intercede with the King for his pardon, or do any thing else in his power for his service, he would ac quaint Mr. IVilkes, who would be satissied with respect to time, &c. But as to trusting to his Lordship's honour at large, he mould construe that as a neglect of Mr. IVilkes ; and should acquaint him, that he had nothing to expect from his Lordship ; and that he should look upon this as a slight of himself. And desired that Mr, Burke might go with him to Mr- IVilkes, to whom he delivered the above message." Propositi- When the peace of the American colonies had govern- been settled, the ministry took into consideration ment of the slate of Canada; for which great province

Canada. ",

the the late ministers had provided no constitution. Chap. This defect they conceived it necesiary to supply. xxvAnd for this purpose, they drew the outlines os ,^3. a plan of government, preparatory to a bill. pr0p0siThis plan, or principal seatures of one, was sub- tionfor mitted to the chancellor (Lord Northinglon), whovJne*nt so sar from approving of it, or offering to cor- of Canarect it, condemned the whole measure in the most da' violent terms of indignation and intemperance. It is to be observed, that the chancellor had ne D;sap. ver been cordially their friend; and he seemed proved by eagerly to seize this opportunity of expressing gen0^811* his dislike. His manners were not of the most gentle kind, nor was his language very polished, whenever he indulge! in his natural disposition of reproach; harsh and bitter, vulgar and brutal, were epithets frequently applied to him. And, perhaps, upon no event in his lise they were more justly merited than the present. He went to the King, and complained to his Majesty of the unfitness of his servants: he told the King, in terms of the utmost plainness, that the present v;fe3 the ministers could not go on, and that his Majesty King to must send for Mr. Pitt. utvL

It is easy to conceive, that this advice was agreeably received. In consequence of it, his Majesty commissioned the chancellor to conser with Mr. Pitt, on the subject of a new arrangement.

Vol. r.

Aa

CHAP.

Chap. Xxxi.

Lord Northington opens his Negotiation with Mr* PittDuke of Grafton resignsSeveral Persons refuse PlacesAn eighteen days JournalMr. Pitt fees the KingLord Temple sent for, and goes to the KingConference between Mr. Pitt and Lord Temple at HampfleadThey differ and separateLord Temple has an Audience of the KingReturns so StoweMr. Pitt created Earl of Chathamtiis extraordinary GrantsMr. Townfhend Manager of the House of CommonsSeveral Persons refuse PlacesLord Rockingham refuses to fee Lord ChathamMr. Stuart Mackenzie rejlaredj^-Lord Chatham not united with Lord Bute.

xxxi -*^0RD NORTHINGTON operied his negos^y-^J ciation with Mr. Pitt, through the channels of 1766- the Duke of Grafton and Mr. Calcraft. Mr. Pitt was at that time at his new estate in Somersetshire; from which place he was sent for. He arrived in London on the eleventh of July; and the same evening he had a conserence with Lord Northington.

Duke of The Duke of Grafton had lately resigned his Grafton Q^ce 0f s,ecretary 0f state, and attached himself

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ib Mr. P/7/: this attachment he had publicly Chap.

XXXI

avowed in the House of Lords *. When it was ^^Z^ indisputably clear* that Lord Rockinghams ad mi- 1766. histration was not honoured by the countenance and support of Mr. Pitt, not only by tne Duke of Graf/d«,but several otherpersonsfresused to contribute Several their assistance ; from an apprehension that a new personal administration would in a short time be appoint- ue" ed; of which, each man flattered himself with becoming a part, under the idea of forming a more comprehensive system. Nobody doubted the hdnour and integrity of Lord Rockingham : it was even admitted, that his administration had been regulated and conducted oh the purest principles of patriotism ; yet there was not virtue enough in the country to support him.

Those who assert, that Lord Bute was not consulted, nor gave any advice upon this occasion* must forget all the preceding facts, since the death of George the Second; and must deny his • . nocturnal visits, at this time to the King's mother aay!jour

at nal.

* His Grace said in the House of Lords, " That he had ho objection to the persons or to the measures of the ministers he had recently left; but that he thought they wanted strength and essiciency to carry on proper measures with success; and that he knew but one man who could give them that strength and solidity {meaning Mr. Pitt); that under him, he should be willing to serve in any capacity, not only As a general ossicer, but as a pioneer, and would take up a spade and a mattock."

f Lord Shelburtte refused the board of trade, and Col. Barn vice-treasurer of Ireland.

His Lordship resused also the embassy to Paris.

A a 2 Lord

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Chat, at Carhon Houses. Lord Northingl&n did- nos indeed begin his negociation with Mr. Pitt, under the immediate and personal directions of Lord Bute, but Lord Bute*s influence pervaded through a higher channel.

Lord

Lord North resused the exchequer, also vice-treasurer of Ireland.

Lord Tovin/hend resused to go to Paris or Madrid.

Lord Egmont resused the seals, resigned by the Duke of Grafton.

Lord Hardwicle resused them likewise.

Lord Lyttelton resused a cabinet situation.

f An eighteen days faithful Journal, ending a few days previous to the mini/try's lining hands in 1766.

Tuesday, June 24, 1766. From Audley-street, the savourite set out about one o'clock, in a post-coach and four, for Lord Litchfield's at Hampton Court, and came home-?gaia at ten at night; went out directly after in a chair to Miss Fans Hurl's, maid of honour to the P. D. of W. in Sackvillestreet; itaid there but a very little while, and went to Carlton House, and returned home about twelve o'clock.

Wednesday 25. From Audley-street the savourite set out in 3 chair, at half past six in the evening, went to Sackville-street, as besore ; staid there till past ten, then went to Carlton House, and returned home about twelve.

Thursday 26. From Carlton House the savourite set out at half past six in the evening in a chair, went into Sackvillestreet as before, staid there till ten, then went to Carlton House, and came home at twelve.

Friday 27. At seven in the morning the savourite set out from Audley-street, for his seat in Bedfordshire.

Sunday 29. The Eail returned from Bcdfordsture this day to dinner; set out as besore at a quarter past six for Sackvillestreet, staid there till about ten, then went to Cailton House, and came home at twelve.

Monday 30. From Audley-street the savourite set out in * chair a quarter past six, then went to Sackville-street, staid there till about ten, then went to Carlton House, and came home as usual at twelve.

Tuesday, July 1. From ditto, at half past six in a chair to> Sackville-street, staid there till ten, then went to Carlton Houses aud thence home at twelve. i • Wtd

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