It is seldom, Sir, that political revolutions bring any man upon the stage, with whom I have much connexion.  The great actors are not the class whom I much cultivate; consequently I am neither elated with hopes on their advancement, nor mortified nor rejoiced at their fall.  As the scene has shifted often of late, and is far from promising duration at present, one must, if one lives in the great world, have now and then an acquaintance concerned in the drama.  Whenever I happen to have one, I hope I am ready and glad to make use of such (however unsubstantial) interest to do good or to oblige; Ind this being the case at present, and truly I cannot call Mr. Grenville much more than an acquaintance, I shall be happy, Sir, if I can Contribute to your views, which I have reason to believe are those of a benevolent man and good citizen; but I advertise you truly, that my interest depends more on Mr. Grenville’s goodness and civility, than on any great connexion between Us, and still less on any Political connexion.  I think he would like to do public good, I know I should like to contribute to it-but if it is to be done by this channel, I apprehend there is not much time to be lost—­you See, what I think of the permanence of the present system!  Your ideas, Sir, on the hard fate of our brave soldiers concur with mine; I lamented their sufferings, and have tried in vain to suggest some little plans for their relief.  I only mention this, to prove to you that I am not indifferent to the subject, nor undertake your commission from mere complaisance.  You Understand the matter better than I do, but you cannot engage in it with more zeal.  Methodize, if you please, your plan, and communicate it to me, and it shall not be lost for want of solicitation.  We swarm with highwaymen, who have been heroes.  We owe our safety to them, consequently we owe a return Of preservation to them, if we can find out methods of employing them honestly.  Extend your views, Sir, for them, and let me -be@solicitor to the cause.

(282) Now first collected.

Letter 155To The Hon. H. S. Conway.  Arlington Street, May 6, very late, 1763. (page 216)

The complexion of the times is a little altered since the beginning of this last winter.  Prerogation, that gave itself such airs in November, and would speak to nothing but a Tory, has had a rap this morning that will do it some good, unless it is weak enough to do itself more harm.  The judges of the common pleas have unanimously dismissed Wilkes from his imprisonment,(283) as a breach of privilege; his offence not being a breach of peace, only tending to it.  The people are in transports; and it will require all the vanity and confidence of those able ministers, Lord Sandwich and Mr. C * * * to keep up the spirits of the court.