I own that these reflections have often struck me, and very forcibly, and makes us in a sad dilemma and perplexity about what can be done.  He assured me that as soon as he knew anything, I should be informed of it.  I told him that I wish(ed) we had our four members, which could not be, unless Lord Mellbourn could be made by some consideration to vacate his seat; but if we had, I would risk my fortune in Government with yours, and take my chance, and be served in the second place, when those had the administration with whom we could draw.

What these will do, and in what manner they will treat the King’s friends, the Lord only knows.  Charles made it an objection, your attachment to the King; that was beginning well.  He has none, God knows.  His countenance to Hare or Fitzpatrick are [is] no proof of it to me.  People can like and protect those who are subservient to them, and persecute them when they are not.  Had he been capable of a good sentiment, he would have had one for you.  Instead of that, he puts your fortune into immediate danger, by a sacrifice of his honour and engagement, and when he has done that, you and those attached to you are treated as mercenary, and illiberal, because you desire to be rescued from the impending ruin.  Not a hundredth part of what has been said on this subject comes to my knowledge, but enough to fill me with horror and indignation.

While I was writing, and just before my dinner came up, I saw Mr. Cook, who brought me your letter.  You needed not to have cautioned me against asking after matters of state.  Those nearer to me are no objects of curiosity, further than you are concerned in them.  It is a pleasure to have such a recent account of your being well.  I wish my letters could go as speedily to you, to prevent the radotage incident to letters of an old date.  Your correspondence with Lord Hilsborough will soon cease; who(m) you will have to write to afterwards I have not heard.  It may be Charles.

Hare and Richard came into White’s just before dinner.  I stopped there to hear what was going on.  They can talk of nothing but the demolition of the last Ministry, and abbai(s)sement of his Majesty, but of this they speak without reserve.  Lord Cov(entry) was there, as malignant and insulting as possible.  It requires some degree of temper to refrain from a reply to these things, but I shall.  I have made up my mind to these revers; no future minister can hurt me, for none will I ever trust.

Lord North and his Secretary, Robinson, have acted such a part by me that I should never have believed anything but a couple of attorneys of the lowest class to have done; but my conduct has been uniform, and not changed towards the King, whom I have meant, though unsuccessfully, to support.  Had I been a bargain-maker, I could have made as good a one with the Opposition as another, and could have justified it better.

I hope that in about a week more, I shall be able to send you such intelligence as will put us both out of doubt of what is or ought to be done.  Lord G(ower), I believe, six months ago, wanted to be at the head of affairs; he might now, but will not.(219) Nothing but the worse management on earth in our leaders could have brought things to such an issue.