In this and the succeeding volume, the reader will find several letters addressed to the Earl of Shelburne by the Earl of Chatham, which are published from the originals in the possession of the Marquis of Lansdowne.
The editors are anxious to avail themselves of this opportunity to express their gratitude to his Lordship for the kindness which enables them to publish a correspondence of much interest, as illustrative of the feelings of Lord Chatham, during a very eventful period of his life.
They also desire to offer their best thanks to Viscount Sidmouth for his kind permission to copy the letters written by the Earl of Chatham to the late Dr. Addington; and to William Beckford, Esq. for those addressed to his father, which he has so obligingly communicated.