You have heard enough, even in the late reign, of our interministeriums, not to be surprised that the present lasts so long.  I am not writing now to tell you it is at an end; but I thought you might grow impatient.

The Parliament was scarcely separated when a negotiation was begun with the Bedfords, through Lord Gower; with a view to strengthen the remains of Administration by that faction,[1] but with no intention of including George Grenville, who is more hated at Court than he is even in other places.  After some treaty, Lord Gower, much against his will, I believe, was forced to bring word, that there was no objection made by his friends to the Treasury remaining in the Duke of Grafton; that Grenville would support without a place; but Lord Temple (who the deuce thought of Lord Temple?) insisted on equal power, as he had demanded with Lord Chatham.  There was no end of that treaty!  Another was then begun with Lord Rockingham.  He pleaded want of strength in his party, and he might have pleaded almost every other want—­and asked if he might talk to the Bedfords.  Yes! he might talk to whom he pleased, but the King insisted on keeping the Chancellor, “and me,” said the Duke of Grafton; but added, that for himself, he was very willing to cede the Treasury to his Lordship.  Away goes the Marquis to Woburn; and, to charm the King more, negotiates with both Grenvilles too.  These last, who had demanded everything of the Crown, were all submission to the Marquis, and yet could not dupe him so fast as he tried to be duped.  Oh! all, all were ready to stay out, or turn their friends in, or what he pleased.  He took this for his own talents in negotiation, came back highly pleased, and notified his success.  The Duke of Grafton wrote to him that the King meant they should come in, to extend and strengthen his Administration.  Too elated with his imaginary power, the Marquis returned an answer, insolently civil to the Duke, and not commonly decent for the place it was to be carried to.  It said, that his Lordship had laid it down for a principle of the treaty, that the present Administration was at an end.  That supposed, he was ready to form a comprehensive Ministry, but first must talk to the King.

[Footnote 1:  The difficulties were caused by Lord Chatham’s illness.  He, though Prime Minister, only held the office of Lord Privy Seal, the Duke of Grafton being First Lord of the Treasury; consequently, when Lord Chatham became incapable of transacting any business whatever, even of signing a resignation of his office, the Duke became the Prime Minister, and continued so for three years.]