MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM.

MY DEAREST LIFE,

North-end, July 17, 1766.

I SEND this by an express, that I may the sooner have the joy of reading a letter from you in return. The state of my health is not yet quite what it should be; some fever hanging upon me, and the conversation, from its length and issue yesterday, with Lord Temple, having been rather too much for my situation, which was greatly mended, though not quite in a natural state. My pulse quickened towards evening, so that I am advised to be peremptory with all business, and shut my door till I am quite free from fever.

Our dear Lord Temple returns to Stowe tomorrow, after having his audience of the King to-day. I must do justice to the kind and affectionate behaviour which he held throughout the whole of our long talk; words would not paint it, were it fit for me to write long.

I will only say on the political state, that the King's goodness was truly affecting to me in my long audience. Embrace all the sweet children

for papa.

Your ever loving husband,

W. PITT.

MR. PITT TO LADY CHATHAM.

North-end, Saturday, 4 o'clock, July 19, 1766.

I ACT upon honour in what I say. I am so well as to have seen the Duke of Grafton to-day for two hours, without having my pulse in the least quickened, and I trust I shall be able, without risk, to attend the King by about Wednesday next. Be composed, my love. I trust in Providence, which carried me through so much, that I shall be preserved for the unlaborious work now before me, in comparison of former times. My general health seems not in the least shaken; the feverish heat was merely fatigue. Again and again may the Almighty guard you! Your ever loving husband,

W. PITT.

THE EARL OF NORTHINGTON TO MR. PITT.

DEAR SIR,

Sunday, 5 p. m. July 20, 1766.

HAVING seen his Majesty after the drawing-room to-day, I now sit down to answer your very obliging letter; which, as far as it related to myself, I could not before do.

The invidious share that I have taken in the present business was the result of my sensible

great

feeling for my most gracious Master and this commercial and brave country; with which I thought nothing should stand in competition. I therefore determined not to be considerate of myself in any respect, but to stand forth as a public servant, or retire a private man, as either should contribute to the King's service.

As I suppose you might speak, with regard to me, in the style of partial consideration to the King you did to myself, I found his Majesty very desirous that I should take a great office in his administration; to which I assented, and to that you so kindly pointed out. Though no office is so personally inviting as that I am now in, yet it is true what I urged, that my health cannot sustain the chancery, the woolsack, and state affairs. I need not, after what I said to you, say, that the succession of Lord Camden will be most agreeable to myself. Your own thoughts concerning yourself have my full concurrence in and approbation of their propriety, and the other persons mentioned have all due respect from me.

I shall only add, that if you lend your advice, as also your reputation, and the rest of the administration act with cordiality and resolution (from me you shall have the fullest support I can give), I see no difficulties to fright men.

I should have made you another visit after I had seen Lord Temple; but I know, in general, how unseasonable visits are to invalids. If you are well enough, I would call at your most convenient hour

to-morrow.

I have the honour to be, with the

greatest respect, Dear Sir,

Your most obedient

and most humble servant

NORTHINGTON.

THE EARL OF SHELBURNE TO MR. PITT.

Hill Street, four o'clock, [July 20, 1766.]

DEAR SIR,

I AM this moment honoured with your letter, and am as much obliged to you for the contents as my sense of my own inability will allow me. Your private wishes being engaged in my fortunes is, indeed, most flattering to me; and though I suspect they have already led you farther on my account, than you have told me, I cannot now help requesting most earnestly their continuance ; they alone can make the situation you mention honourable or happy; and I can, with the greatest truth affirm, that they alone encourage the undertaking it.

as

I shall take care to be prepared to attend his Majesty at twelve to-morrow, to receive his commands. I shall be very desirous for a few minutes conversation, Sir, with you afterwards, and will call at Hampstead in the evening, in hopes of it, if the next morning will not be more convenient, or

another time. I will take care not to abuse your permission by detaining you too long either then or now, as I trust you will believe no individual feels more concerned for Mr. Pitt's health, than one who has so much reason to be with the greatest respect, Dear Sir,

Your most obliged

humble servant,

SHELBURNE.

P. S. You must permit me to add, how happy

-

I am in the choice of a Chancellor.

THE DUKE OF GRAFTON TO MR. PITT.

SIR,

Wakefield Lodge, Monday morning, [July 21, 1766.]

LEST you should imagine that I have met with Mr. Charles Townshend, I thought it proper to acquaint you, that he was set out from Atterbury for London before my message got there. Give me leave only to add, that if that gentleman makes difficulties of accepting the post you propose for him, in my opinion I see no way that it will answer the expectation of the public, but by your undertaking that office, which you have allotted me. I mean to chalk this out for your consideration; being fully determined to fulfil, to the best of my power, whatever station you place me in, dis