Duke of Grafton after the letter I sent your Ladyship a copy of, I desired he would understand the word acquiescence in its strict sense—and that solely on account of Lord Chatham—but not the least degree of conviction, as I foresaw many evils from what was proposed. Since that, I have been acquainted of nothing, till yesterday, when the Duke of Grafton told me what was fixed on Friday last, which is exactly the same as in all the newspapers, and takes place in part only after Christmas, and in no part has been, happily for me, either confided or communicated to me.[1]
"I am persuaded, when Lord Chatham has either time or health to return to any business, his intuition and knowledge of human nature will make it easy for him to distinguish between the secret and the real views of any of the parties concerned, if it be necessary; as well as of the effects which the steps taken in his absence are most likely to produce.
"There is but one thing which I wish to say, in apology for my having made so much use of Lord Chatham's name: that it is not thinking my attachment of any consequence to him, as I must be sensible that there are twenty unexceptionable people that would be equally useful to his views, in any situation his kindness to me may make him wish for me; but it is solely on my own account, and my wishing to direct my conduct the best for the public."[2]
This was the last communication which Shelburne had with Chatham for a considerable time. The latter now wrapped himself in a mysterious silence, and only occasionally emerged to indulge in the gratification of extravagant and morbid fancies, bearing the stamp of madness if they were not indeed the acts of a madman. The exact character of the disease which in 1767 and 1768 afflicted this great statesman will probably always remain a moot-point in history. In the opinion of some of his contemporaries he was insane; others recognized only an exaggerated form of that love of mystery and acting for
