I do assure your Ladyship, that no event ever affected me with so much concern, or threw me into such a perplexing uncertainty as to my own. conduct. My inclination led me at once to follow my Lord's example, and not to survive one moment his political departure; and the least intimation of a wish that way from his Lordship would have been decisive; but as I was not able to collect, from your Ladyship's letter coming after the thing was done, any thing that favoured that idea, my resignation would have wanted that sanction. After a long conflict within myself between my own longings for ease and retirement, now redoubled by my Lord's retreat, on the one side, and the distressed state of things almost compelling my continuance on the other, I have suffered myself to be overcome by the King's pressing entreaties,I might almost say commands, not to desert his service at this juncture; the Duke of Grafton declaring at the same time, that he could not safely. or honourably continue without me. Thus have I unwillingly, and with the utmost reluctance, consented to halt on a while longer with this crippled administration; for so it now is, being deprived of the main prop that gave it support. I must proceed as I can, and find my own way, resolved still that Lord Chatham shall be my pole star, so long as I can discern how to steer by it. If this measure should contribute to my Lord's recovery, and re-establish his health (which I pray to God it may), I shall then change my tone, and pronounce that event to be the most fortunate, which at present seems the most distressful to this miserable country. I have the honour to be, with my best respects to Lord Chatham, and with the highest regard and honour for your Ladyship, Your Ladyship's most obedient faithful servant, CAMDEN. THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM TO LORD CAMDEN. MY LORD, Hayes, October 22, 1768. I WILL not detain your Lordship's servant a moment longer than to assure you of the infinite satisfaction Lord Chatham feels (to which let me add my own) in finding that your Lordship is to continue to serve his Majesty in the high station you so greatly fill. My Lord's anxious wishes on this important object were so fully expressed in the letter your Lordship found on your return, that you will easily judge what an extreme pain it would have given him, if, in consequence of his broken health, the King had been deprived of your Lordship's services. We renew the warmest wishes for your Lordship's health, and I desire to assure your Lordship, that I am, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, yours, &c. &c. HESTER CHATHAM. THE EARL OF BRISTOL TO THE EARL OF CHATHAM. MY LORD, Ickworth Lodge, October 29, 1768. YOUR resignation of the privy seal determined me to write as soon as I got to town, to know what conduct I should hold in public life, that might prove me the faithfullest of your friends. A letter I have this instant received from Lord Camden, which I take the liberty of enclosing, makes me entreat your Lordship to tell me what answer you wish me to give to the proposal it contains. I cannot think of accepting the privy seal without your Lordship's approbation, and I would forego that or any satisfaction to show my gratitude to you. Do you choose, my Lord, that I should hold it till your health will permit you to resume the reins of government? Be assured, my Lord, that on such terms I shall relinquish the office with infinitely more satisfaction than I can enter into it. I entreat you, my dear Lord, only let me hear what you wish me to do; for all I want is to convince your Lordship of the unalterable esteem, respect, and entire attachment, with which I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, most obliged, and most faithful humble servant, BRISTOL. THE EARL OF CHATHAM TO THE EARL OF BRISTOL. [From a draught in Lady Chatham's handwriting.] MY LORD, Hayes, October 30, 1768. I AM justly sensible of the great honour your Lordship does me in wishing to know my sentiments with regard to the offer to your Lordship, contained in my Lord Chancellor's letter; but as my entire loss of health has, for a long time, disabled me from taking any share in public business, I trust I shall easily obtain your Lordship's pardon, if, after having resigned the privy seal on that account, I beg to decline any way entering into arrangements of office. Allow me, my Lord, at the same time to entreat, that the idea of your Lordship's holding the privy seal only for an interim may not, on any account, be farther thought of by your Lordship. Accept, my Lord, my best acknowledgments for all your goodness, together with sincerest wishes that your Lordship's situation in the King's service may be every way agreeable. I am, my Lord, &c. &c. CHATHAM. (1) (1) The above letter corrects a mistatement at this time in circulation; namely, that the Earl of Bristol's acceptance of the privy seal was with the advice, and at the recommendation, of Lord Chatham. See Political Register, vol. iii. p. 333. EARL TEMPLE TO THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM. November 26, 1768. (1) It is impossible, my dear Lady Chatham, that any frost can prevail against the warmth of that satisfaction which I received yesterday, in so many shapes. I got home before eleven, perfectly well, and hope the gout will do its duty; which will complete the wishes of my dear Lady Chatham's most truly affectionate, My love to all Hayes, great and small. TEMPLE. EARL TEMPLE TO THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM. Saturday night, 9 o'clock. [February 4, 1769.] THE House of Commons was up about two this morning; the expulsion (2) carried by no more (1) Through the mediation of their mutual friend, Mr. Calcraft, a reconciliation between Lord Chatham and Earl Temple had taken place at Hayes on the preceding day. The gratifying event is thus recorded in the Political Register : "November 25, 1768. In consequence of repeated solicitations on the part of the Earl of Chatham, a most cordial, firm, and perpetual union this day took place with his noble brother-in-law, Earl Temple. It is not doubted that this friendship will produce the most solid advantages to the public. Mr. Grenville has heartily acceded to this union." (2) The motion for the expulsion was made by Lord Barrington, in these words: "That John Wilkes, Esq., a member |