situations; that however being in the dark as to information I would not risk any more on the subject than the remaining persuasion, that it would at all events have been more handsome, manly, and wise, to have paid you the compliment of a letter on such an occasion. He may probably impart to Mr. Pitt what passed between us, and I know not any reason, why it should be wished otherwise. I only hope, that your Lordship may think with me upon it.
"He mentioned to me during this part of our conversation, that the Duke of Rutland had expressed an idea of writing to your Lordship, as his former connection, he thought, entitled him to do; that he did not however know whether he had or had not; but he fancied, that he perceived concern both in the Duke and Mr. Pitt at your absence. I told him as before that not knowing upon what grounds they expected your appearance, I could say nothing more about the reasonableness of any disappointment they might have felt. I would however as a final observation express a sincere wish that your Lordship might not prove both the happier and the wiser man in keeping yourself free from other engagements in so melancholy a situation of affairs, and the readiness which I was certain you would always manifest to give your help to rescue your country from sinking under its distresses. The Speaker says you are the only philosopher in the nation, and he calls Pitt &c., fools indeed, if they have neglected any means of getting your assistance. I should also not have omitted to mention, that Dundas observed, that your Lordship was the only Minister after a very long while, who could boldly challenge any person to charge your Administration with any transaction for which you should not deservedly claim honour from your country."[1]
On the 18th late at night, Fox and North received directions from the King, to deliver up their seals of office, through their Under-Secretaries. The seals were given to Temple, who at once wrote letters dismissing
- ↑ Orde to Shelburne, December 18th, 1783.
