of sparring debate or conversation, that we were inconsistent after our protest, which objected to delay. Upon the whole, I hope we had much the better of the battle. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Your Ladyship's

most obedient, humble servant,

ROCKINGHAM.

up

EARL TEMPLE TO THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM.

Friday morning, past eleven. [January 26, 1770.]

A GLORIOUS day, indeed! The House was not

till near three. I was there the whole time. The court seemed much struck. The question distressed them beyond measure: they could not put it off by a previous question. Blundering Clare began his nonsense, and in due time they received, probably from Dyson, who was absent, additional words, which they moved, and which led them into a new violation of every rule and order of parliament.

The motion was the first resolution as upon Lord Chatham's paper ('); to which they added

(1) That this House, in the exercise of its judicature in matters of election, is bound to judge according to the law of the land, and the known and established law and custom of parliament, which is part thereof."

words to this effect, "And that the judgment given by the House last session, that Mr. Wilkes, &c. was and is incapable of being elected, &c. was founded upon those principles; viz. the law and custom of parliament." This was a tack to the question, which when carried made it impossible for those who had proposed the first resolution to vote in support of it, when thus tacked to the second. Accordingly, they disclaimed it, and are to go on next Monday. Mr. Hampden seconded the motion, which was made by Dowdeswell. George Grenville spoke astonishingly well, and Wedderburn admirably; the Solicitor-general very late, and but poorly. Conway distressed them by declaring he wished the questions were separated, and proposed that it should be agreed to divide them; which Lord North was obliged to consent to, upon condition that the opposition would agree that they should follow each other, which was refused, and the division was had upon the whole.(') Sir George Yonge spoke, and very well. The admirable and incomparable Jack Shelley voted against us; which is but a bad prognostic of his Grace's intentions, upon which, however, the numbers may have great effect. Lord Granby spoke expressive of his determined firmness. Griffin, Howard, and St. Leger with us. Beckford was not at the House; ill, I suppose. The court did wretchedly, indeed. George Gren

(1) Upon a division, the question, with the amendment, was carried by 224 to 180; thereby confirming the former decision of the House on the Middlesex election.

ville bitter in the last degree, and without mercy, Nothing is yet filled up. If they mean to stand, 1 suppose it must be done forthwith, as a signal of firmness. Believe me always, my dear sister,

Most truly and affectionately yours,

TEMPLE.

JOHN CALCRAFT, ESQ. TO THE EARL OF CHATHAM.

Sackville Street, January 30, 1770.

MY DEAR LORD,

I CAN, from the best authority, assure your Lordship the Duke of Grafton has resigned.(1) The present plan appears to be a trial, with Lord North at the head of the treasury; but I have reason to think the court not resolved on this measure, and have some thoughts of sounding your Lordship or other heads of opposition, and using all arguments to prevail against a dissolution of parliament, granting any other relief to the public that can be suggested. The Duke of Grafton has resolved on this step ever since Lord Granby's resignation, and the unreasonable demands of his Bedford friends have confirmed his Grace in that resolution. I do not find that he has yet explained himself to his relations. Mr. Conway does not mean to take

(1) To the great astonishment of the nation, the Duke of Grafton, on the evening of the 28th, resigned his situation of first lord of the treasury, and Lord North, already chancellor of the exchequer, was immediately appointed his successor.

more cordially to the treasury bench for this change, nor will he take any new situation.

The lieutenancy of Ireland has been offered Lord Rochford, but he refused it: this was with a view to vacate secretary of state for Lord Sandwich. The Bedford story is, that the Duke of Grafton will support roundly, and show it by his violence in the House of Lords on Friday; that no other change is to be made, and that they will fight the battle through. A third quarter gives me hints of real alarm at Buckingham House. Lord Granby is come in; so I must only add my warm wishes for your Lordship's health, and assure you that I am,

Most respectfully and

affectionately yours,

J. CALCRAFT.

THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM TO JOHN CALCRAFT,

SIR,

ESQ.

Hayes, Tuesday night, January 30, 1770.

I HAVE the pleasure to return you, in my Lord's name, abundance of thanks for the favour of your interesting letter. The resignation of the Duke of Grafton seems an incomprehensible mystery, on any other supposition than that of ministry breaking up; and even in that case, it is equally without a solution. Time, and that a very short one, must

clear up this riddle, and for the present a suspense of conjecture naturally takes place here.

I cannot enough say how much my Lord feels your very obliging and kind attention to keep him informed of what is passing in a time so big with expectation. We know you will be pleased to hear, that the gout has gone on favourably, and that Lord trusts that he shall be able to appear my on Friday, having sat up the greatest part of yesterday and to-day without fatigue. I am, Sir, Your most faithful,

humble servant,

HESTER CHATHAM.

THE MARQUIS OF ROCKINGHAM TO THE EARL of CHATHAM.

Grosvenor Square, Thursday, 3 o'clock, p. m.
February 1, 1770.

LORD ROCKINGHAM presents his compliments to the Earl of Chatham, and hopes to have the pleasure of hearing that Lord Chatham's health is so well, that there is no fear of so great a disappointment as his Lordship's absence from the House of Lords to-morrow would be.

Lord Rockingham imagines Lord Chatham would not be much surprised at the majority last night (')

(1) In the House of Commons, on Mr. Dowdeswell's motion, "That by the law of the land, and the known law and usage of parliament, no person eligible by common right can be incapacitated by vote or resolution of this House, but by act of parliament only;" which was negatived by 226 against 181.