This attempt having failed, Shelburne next obtained the King's leave to form a junction with Fox and those of his friends who had left the Administration in July, and an interview in consequence took place between the latter and Pitt. Fox, who a few days previously had told Grafton that he and his friends were immovable on the necessity of the Cabinet proposing the head of the Treasury, at once asked Pitt if it was intended that Lord Shelburne should occupy that post? Pitt replied that it was. "It is impossible for me," Fox rejoined, "to belong to any Administration of which Lord Shelburne is the head." "Then we need discuss the matter no further," said Pitt, "I did not come here to betray Lord Shelburne"; and with these words he ended what is said to have been his last private interview with Fox.[1]
"I am not in the least surprised," the King wrote, "at Mr. Pitt's interview having ended as abruptly as the hastiness and impoliteness of Mr. Fox naturally led me to expect; I shall certainly not object to any other quarter Lord Shelburne may with the advice of Mr. Pitt choose to sound; but must insist that Lord Shelburne's remaining in his present situation be the basis of any plan that may be prepared for my inspection. By this clear instruction Lord Shelburne must feel himself at liberty to act as he may find it necessary, and I can trust his own sentiments are too much exalted to think of supplicating any party; but that whoever he treats with must be expected to feel obliged for any offer that is made."[2]
Shelburne on receiving this letter fell back upon the idea of gaining support from the friends of North. To this Grafton strongly objected, and taking umbrage at the same time at the bestowal of a seat in the Cabinet on the Duke of Rutland, a friend of Pitt, recently appointed Lord Steward, as well as at the refusal of some small pieces of private patronage which he had solicited for his friends, announced his intention of shortly resigning the Privy Seal, being determined not to abet Lord
