CHAPTER XXXI. Lord Northington opens his negotiation with Mr. Pitt-Duke of Grafton resigns,-Several Persons refuse Places.-An Eighteen Days Journal, -Mr. Pitt sees the King.-Lord Temple sent for, and goes to the King,-Conference between Mr. Pitt and Lord Temple, at Hampstead.They differ and separate.-Lord Temple has an Audience of the King.-Returns to Stove,—Mr. Pitt created Earl of Chatham.-His extraordinary Grants.-Mr. Townshend, Manager of the House of Commons-Several Persons refuse Places.-Lord Rockingham refuses to see Lord Chatham.-Mr. Stuart Mackenzie restored.Lord Chatham not united with Lord Bute. LORD Northington opened his negotiation with Mr. Pitt, through the channels of the Duke of Grafton, and Mr. Calcraft. Mr. Pitt was at that time at his new estate in Somersetshire; from which place he was sent for. He arrived in London on the eleventh of July; and the same evening he had a conference with Lord Northington. The Duke of Grafton had lately resigned his office of Secretary of State, and attached himself to Mr. Pitt: this attachment he had publicly avowed in the House of Lords*. When it was indisputably clear, that Lord Rockingham's administration was not honoured by the countenance and support of Mr. Pitt, not only the Duke of Grafton, but several other persons† refused to contribute their assistance; from an apprehension that a new administration would in a short time be appointed, of which, each man flattered himself with becoming a part, under the idea of forming a more comprehensive system. Nobody doubted the honour and integrity of Lord Rockingham: it was even admitted, that his administration had been * His Grace said in the House of Lords, That he had no objection to the persons, or to the measures of the ministers he had recently left; but that he thought they wanted strength and efficiency to carry on proper measures with success; and that he knew but one man who could give them that strength and solidity (meaning Mr. Pitt); that under him, he should be willing to serve in any capacity, not only as a General Officer, but as a Pioneer, and would také up a Spade and a Mattock.' + Lord Shelburne refused the Board of Trade, and Colonel Barre, Vice Treasurer of Ireland. His Lordship refused also the Embassy to Paris. Lord North refused the Exchequer, also Vice Treasurer of Ireland. ton. Lord Townshend refused to go to Paris or Madrid. Lord Egmont refused the Seals resigned by the Duke of Graf Lord Hardwicke refused them likewise. Lord Lyttleton refused a cabinet situation. regulated, and conducted on the purest principles of patriotism; yet there was not virtue enough in the country to support him. Those who assert that Lord Bute was not consulted, nor gave any advice upon this occasion, must forget all the preceding facts since the death of George the Second; and must deny his nocturnal visits, at this time, to the King's mother at Carlton House*. Lord Northington did not indeed begin * An eighteen days faithful Journal, ending a few days previous to the minister's shaking hands in the year 1766. Tuesday, June 24, 1766. From Audley-street, the Favourite set out about one o'clock, in a post-coach and four, for Lord Litchfield's at Hampton Court, and came home again at ten at night; went out directly after in a chair to Miss Vansittart's, maid of honour to P. D. of W. in Sackville-street; staid there but a very little while, and then went to Carlton-house, and returned home about twelve o'clock. Wednesday 25. From Audley-street, the Favourite set out in a chair at half past six in the evening, went into Sackville-street, as before, staid there till past ten, then went to Carlton-house, and returned home about twelve. Thursday 26. From ditto, the Favourite set out at half past six in the evening in a chair, went into Sackville-street as before, staid there till ten, then went to Carlton-house, and came home at twelve. Friday 27. At seven this morning the Favourite set out from Audley-street, for his seat in Bedfordshire. Sunday 29. The Earl returned from Bedfordshire this day to dinner; set out as before at a quarter past six for Sackville-street, his negotiation with Mr. Pitt, under the immediate and personal directions of Lord Bute, but staid there till about ten, then went to Carlton-house, and came home at twelve. Munday 30. From Audley-street, the Favourite set out in a chair a quarter past six, went into Sackville-street, staid there till about ten, then went to Carlton-house, and came home as usual at twelve. Tuesday July 1. From ditto, at half past six, in a chair to Sackville-street, staid there till ten, then to Carlton-house, and thence home at twelve. Wednesday 2. From ditto, ditto, ditto, and ditto. Thursday 3. At six this morning, the Favourite set out from Audley-street for his seat in Bedfordshire. Saturday 5. The Favourite returned to Audley-street from ditto this day to dinner; at half past six went to Sackville-street, staid there as usual till about ten, then to Carlton-house, and afterwards came home about twelve. Sunday 6. At half past six to Sackville-street as usual, about ten to Carlton-house, and home at twelve as before. Monday 7 At three quarters past six to Sackville-street as usual, about ten to Carlton-house, and home at twelve. Tuesday 8. At half past six to Sackville-street, about ten to Carlton-house, and home at twelve. Wednesday 9. At half past six to Sackville-street, about ten to Carlton-house, and home at twelve. Thursday 10. This morning at seven the Favourite and his lady set out from Audley-street for Bedfordshire. Saturday 12. Returned this day from Bedfordshire to dinner, and, being Lord Mount Steuart's birth-day, he went out at eight this evening to Sackville-street, staid there till past ten, then went to Carlton-house, and returned home about twelve. Sunday 13. At half past six to Sackville-street, staid there till past ten, then to Carlton-house, and home at twelve. Lord Bute's influence pervaded through a higher channel. Lord Northington offered Mr. Pitt a Carteblanche. Although Mr. Pitt did not dispute his Lordship's authority or veracity, in making this offer, yet he wished to have it confirmed by the King. Mr. Pitt was introduced to the King at Richmond. The conference was very short. His Majesty confirmed the offer made by his Chancellor; and added, that he had no terms to propose. He put himself into his (Mr. Pitt's) hands*. This was on Saturday the 12th of July. In the evening Mr. Pitt had another conference with the Chancellor, and afterwards with General Conway, with whom he settled the principal arrangements. Next Monday 14. At half past six to Sackville-street, staid there till ten, then to Carlton-house, staid there till past twelve, and then returned home. N. B. The curtains of the chair from Audley to Sackville-street were constantly drawn, and the chair taken into the house. *The King had so often entreated Mr. Pitt to enter into his service, Mr. Pitt frankly acknowledged to Mr. Calcraft he could resist the enticaties no longer; and besides, he said, they were made in a manner so pressing and affecting, no person susceptible of feeling for the distress of the country could remain obdurate. To this art Mr. Yorke also fell a sacrifice, in the month of January, 1770. See Chapter xxxv. + Vide the dates, of the last three days, of the preceding eighteen days journal. |