their interview Lord Ashburton has left an account. The King began by giving a short sketch of his relations with his various Ministers since his accession, in order to prove that he had himself acted fairly throughout; he then proceeded to more recent events.[1] He said he had pleasure in understanding the people had so far recovered their senses, that there was but one opinion about "the thankless combination which had given success to the disappointment at the peace." His servants however having declared that in consequence of the votes of the House of Commons the business of government could no longer go on in their hands, he had thought it necessary to see his whole Cabinet; he had been sorry to find that none of them had anything to suggest by which the coalition (on which he bestowed many harsh epithets) could be resisted; being however determined to resist, he had thought it necessary to inform himself whether it had gone the length reported. With this view he had sent and spoken to Lord Guildford, who expressed his disappointment in the strongest terms; but believed it had not gone so far as to bind Lord North; on which point he was desired to inform himself, and if it proved the case to send to Lord North. Late next day he had heard from Lord North, but being then on his way to St. James's, he appointed and in consequence saw Lord North at 8 or 9 o'clock in the evening. He received Lord North with studied hauteur, expressed his surprise at his conduct, and asked him, "Whether he saw any real objection to the peace?" "To the French and Spanish certainly none, but to the American." Upon which he said Lord North must know "American independence was a thing he could ill bear, but that he must like it when he knew that no better could be expected, after what had passed in the House of Commons; with which, if anybody was to be reproached, it was his new associates." He reminded him upon this occasion of what was known before he quitted his office; for Lord North, he said, before the meeting of the House of Commons,
- ↑ See Vol. I. 258.
