had thought it necessary to see Lord Mansfield, but found him broken and helpless; he expressed his general dislike of the combination, said that it was never out of his head, and that he cried all day long over his situation; but that he saw nothing was to be done, except to give way to the Parliament, which could not be resisted. "I observed to him," said the King, "that I understood the coalition met with little concurrence from his friends, and advised him to consult them, which he promised to do, and he afterwards assured me that he conversed with some few of his friends, who were of opinion nothing could be done but what he had proposed. Pitt said this was so different to his usual manner, which was bold enough where the subject was what other people should do, and when nothing was to be done by himself, that I considered him as an old woman who could be of no use to me. In the interview with the Lord Chancellor, Lord Gower's name had been mentioned as one whose detestation of the coalition was likely to incline him to step forth. I saw him; he seemed inclined, if another Administration could be formed; and he suggested Mr. Thomas Pitt, if he could be prevailed on.[1] I desired him to apply to Mr. Thomas Pitt or Mr. Thomas anybody. Afterwards he let me know that he had not been able to find a proper channel of communication with Mr. Thomas Pitt. I proposed to send to him myself; but it ended in his proposing to go to him. He told me afterwards he had seen Mr. Thomas Pitt, who declined, but recommended giving way to the coalition people, to fill the efficient offices, and take such measures as they thought right, but not to allow them to dispose of honours of any sort; nor to expect any support from the Court. The idea I found was that such an Administration could not last a month, and as well for that reason as that I could not reconcile myself in point of morality, I declined it. Being told Mr. Thomas Pitt had put his ideas in writing, I desired to see them. Lord Gower
- ↑ Thomas Pitt was the son of Thomas Pitt, brother of Lord Chatham. He sat in Parliament from 1761 to 1784, taking at times an active part. In January 1784 he was created Lord Camelford.
