I have applied to no other person besides yourself,-excepting the Duke of Bedford, and, of course, Mr. Rigby; and if you are so good, sir, as to retain any friendly thoughts towards me, and are disposed to give me a proof of them in this instance, you will not be at a loss for the most proper and effectual means. It would be impertinence in me to point them out. The favour itself will be a most sensible gratification to me; but it will still be more welcome, if it comes through your approbation and assistance, and will make my prospect of the world, over which some late misfortunes have cast a gloom, look rather more cheerful before me: but if it is refused, or not obtained, the melancholy cast of my mind will impute the miscarriage of the suit to the unworthiness of the hand which presents it; and I shall soon grow to consider it as a warning for me to retire from a scene where I am no longer desired. Let me entreat this further favour of you, that if you are not disposed to procure this gratification for me, you will not add the trouble of writing to that which the reading of this long letter has already given you, but rather suffer me to know my disappointment by your silence. I shall understand my case equally in that way; and my mortification would be rather less painful, than if I were to see, under your own hand, that I am slightly considered by you.

But, whatever may be the fate of this application, or my own fate, permit me to assure you,

that my best wishes have attended you most constantly through the course of your ministry. I have grieved in adverse, and rejoiced in prosperous events. I am persuaded you have already done more for your country than any other man could have done; and if those wishes and my prayers can have any effect, you will live to see a glorious and happy conclusion of the arduous and perilous work you have undertaken. I have the honour to be, with the utmost sincerity and highest respect, dear Sir,

Your most faithful and

affectionate humble servant,

GEORGE ARMAGH.

MR. PITT TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

[From a rough draught, in Mr. Pitt's hand-writing.]

[September, 1760.]

MY LORD,

My sentiments of esteem and affection towards your Grace are too real not to own, that the honour of your letter has given me much pain as well as pleasure. I find in it very obliging proofs of your friendship and favourable opinion, and I am filled with most sensible satisfaction; but, the melancholy colour thrown over other parts of it, and I know not what touch of discontent, be it with yourself, or perhaps with your friend, not

only have damped my joy in receiving kind marks of your remembrance, but given me sincere

concern.

What shall I do or say to dispel the cloud, and set both yourself and your humble servant right again in your eyes? Will my dear Lord Primate give me leave to talk with him, as I could do to Lord Temple in a similar case? and I think my heart is so clear towards your Grace, that I might venture to expostulate even as to a brother.

I will briefly and simply, then, expose my situation as to interfering in military promotions; more especially in that to the rank of colonel. I have declared, in the most explicit manner, on my legs in the House of Commons, my opinion concerning promotions of favour over the heads of ancient lieutenant-colonels, actually serving with the highest distinction in all parts of the world; and I have, as it were, publicly pledged myself to that most meritorious class of officers, that I would never contribute, from any considerations of family or parliamentary interest, to their depression. On these grounds, I excused myself to Lord Besborough and to the Duke of Devonshire last winter, when they much interested themselves for Lord Drogheda; the distinguished zeal as well as the general character of which noble lord, gave me the sincerest wish to have had it in my power to serve him, without too much mortifying and deeply wounding, in very senior officers, that gallant and respectable spirit which, thank Heaven! breathes

through the British troops. I do not, however, mean by this, that a person of Lord Drogheda's quality and weight in his country is to keep the exact pace of every lieutenant-colonel in the service, and rise only inch by inch through such an immense list, according to the strict date of his commission; but all I mean to submit to your Grace's and to Lord Drogheda's candour is, that among the very many lieutenant-colonels above his lordship on that list, there are not a few who cannot be postponed without great hardship and loud complaints in the army. The regiments and aides-de-camp now vacant, and about to become so, would go a good way in clearing this crying debt to signal services; and a little time may open the way, without much discontent, to that mark of favour, to which Lord Drogheda's great merit to government and ardour for the service so well entitle him.

This is the plain and true state of the case. My cause is before the court, and I know your Grace can only pass an equitable sentence. Be assured, my lord, that nothing but an essential duty can weigh with me against a wish of your Grace.

"More lov'd than any, but less dear than all,"

is a beautiful line, which shall close my peroration; and I will rest satisfied, that my true respect and sincere friendship for your Grace will not, in your own eye, stand impeached, though for the

present, my hand must not contribute to Lord Drogheda's promotion. (1)

Let me rejoice with your Grace on the glorious close of the scene in North America. (2) May the same favourable Providence bless us with the proper and happy fruit of victory—peace, advantageous, solid, lasting peace!

I am, &c.

W. PITT.

(1) Charles, sixth earl of Drogheda, was born in 1730. In 1762, he was made colonel of the 18th regiment of light dragoons; and, after having been muster-master general and master-general of the ordnance, he was, in 1791, appointed joint post-master-general of Ireland. In the same year he was raised to a marquisate, and in 1801 created an English peer, by the title of baron Moore, of Moore Place, Kent. At the entry of George the Fourth into Dublin, in August, 1821, the marquis, then in his ninety-second year, appeared at the window of his house, in Sackville-street, dressed in the old-fashioned uniform of the above-mentioned regiment. He died at Dublin in December, 1822.

(2) The surrender of Montreal; of which General Amherst took possession on the 7th of September, and thereby completed the conquest of all Canada:-"a conquest," says Smollett, "the most important of any that ever the British arms achieved; whether we consider the safety of the English colonies in North America, now secured from invasion and encroachment; the extent and fertility of the country subdued; or the whole Indian commerce thus transferred to the traders of Great Britain." Upon this occasion, Lord Temple thus addresses Mr. Pitt: "No end of glory and exultation! the close of the King's reign is most strikingly distinguished by lustre of every sort. May he feel it as he ought; and long enjoy the comfort of it, without forgetting who has wrought the wonderful change!"