and the terms, whatever they might be, to be proposed to Lord North reduced to writing; he lamented the situation in which he was struggling, and inclined to run all hazards with Thomas or William Pitt, who was more concerned in the quarrel; as if encouraging Mr. Fox to fight. I meant to observe what Lord Shelburne represented this evening.
"On the 30th of March I received a note desiring me to come to the Queen's house, as I had not understood a hint he had given me at the levée that he wished to see me there. The King read to me the letters that had passed between himself Lord North, and the Duke of Portland, and latterly Mr. Pitt, and gave a verbal narrative of so much of the transaction, as was necessary to correct and explain. The history was in substance that he had had a species of negotiation with Lord North and the Duke of Portland. He had had the precaution to write to Lord North to be convinced of the Duke of Portland and his friends' desires; and said when they would send again to him, he would mark his agreement or disagreement of the whole or any part. The Duke came himself and began with observing, that as his Majesty had done him the honour to call for his assistance he had come. He reminded him of the paper, and said the conversation must proceed on the foot of that paper. The Duke complained of the want of confidence, and said that without confidence they could be of no use. He understood however from the Duke and Lord North that he was to be informed what they meant to propose; but that Lord North afterwards resigned the thing, as the Duke would not consent to leave the Seal with the Chancellor, who he had then an idea had resigned, or leave Lord North the places in the Cabinet he desired. Here it was understood the thing was at an end; as without Lord North and his friends they could not carry on. Afterwards the Duke had agreed to make Lord Stormont President of the Council; and the Duke came and said he had a list of the intended Cabinet to produce. Being pushed he looked at the paper: Lord Stormont,
