"Leeds, August 11th, 1772.[1]
"I still continue inclined to accept of Lord Shelburne's proposal, notwithstanding I have heard more said against it than I have yet communicated to you; and I cannot help thinking that it will put me more in the way of being useful both to my family and the world than I can be in my present situation. This I observe, that those who are acquainted with Lord Shelburne encourage me to accept of his proposal; but most of those who know the world in general, but not Lord Shelburne in particular, dissuade me from it. All of them also greatly overrate my present situation, of which myself only can be a judge, and by comparison with which I must estimate any other situation."
"Leeds, August 25th, 1772.
"On Saturday last Lord Shelburne, as you gave me reason to expect, called upon me, and he explained and enforced his proposal in such a manner that I own I am much disposed to comply with it. He said he never thought of settling upon me less than 200l. per annum for life, and would do as much more as you and myself should think reasonable. So we agreed upon the sum mentioned in your letter, 250l. Besides, I am to have a house adjoining to his own in town, and another very near his seat in the country. If, however, we should like the situation in the country, it is probable we shall keep to it, myself only attending his Lordship when he shall require my attendance in London. He gives me what time I think proper to consider of his proposals, and also to leave my present situation after I have determined to do it.
"I think, however, it will answer no good end, either to keep his Lordship in suspense, or to stay long here after I am determined to go. So that, according to all appearances, I shall launch into a new sphere of life about Christmas next."
The terms finally agreed upon were, that Priestley
- ↑ This seems to be the correct date of the above letter rather than November 11th, as given in Rutt's Life of Priestley.
