"I have the honour to be, with great regard and esteem,
"My Lord,
"Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant,
"Portland."
Earl of Shelburne to the Duke of Portland.
"London, 9th June 1782.
"My Lord,—In the very instant of the departure of the messenger with the despatches accompanying this letter, I have the honour to receive your Grace's of the 5th and your most secret and confidential letter of the 6th.
"The contents of the latter are too important, to hesitate about detaining him, while I assure your Grace of the satisfaction which I know your letter will give the King. I have lived in the most anxious expectation of some such measure, and nothing prevented my pressing it on your Grace in this last despatch, except that having repeatedly stated the just expectations of this country, I was apprehensive of giving that the air of demand, which might be better left to a spirit of voluntary justice, gratitude, and foresight. I therefore gave your Grace confidence for watching the temper of those you had to deal with, and cannot express the pleasure it gives me to find that confidence justified. Bargains and compacts may accomplish little objects, but great ends must commonly be obtained by a bolder policy. No matter who has the merit, let the two kingdoms be one, which can only be by Ireland's now acknowledging the superintending power and supremacy in precise and unambiguous terms, to be where nature has placed it. I am sure I need not inculcate to your Grace the importance of words, and to leave nothing loose in an Act which must decide the happiness of ages, particularly in what regards matters of trade and contribution. Your Grace will have every merit which I can give you. Mr. Grattan, if he has the power your Grace attributes to
