Chief Justice Pratt. I am going to Hayes, and sincerely rejoice to carry with me the satisfaction of knowing, that Lord Rockingham is much better. I am, my Lord, your Lordship's &c., W. PITT. THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO MR. PITT. DEAR SIR, Claremont, October 14, 1763. I RECEIVED this morning the honour of your letter; which has given me a concern, which I am afraid will not soon be removed. I have had very little discourse of late with Mr. Attorney-general, relating to any incidental questions that might arise in parliament, upon the proceedings in Mr. Wilkes's case. Sometime ago, when the question was fresh, I found Mr. Attorneygeneral disposed to adhere to what he had done, and the opinion he had been of when he was consulted as attorney-general, and had acted as such; and then, or soon after, I understood from him, that he had had some discourse with you upon the subject. I always feared that some difference of opinion might, unfortunately, arise upon these points, if they should come into the House; but as I did not know the particular question upon which that difference might happen, and as I was not so able, or so well instructed upon these points, as I should be, I did hope that if some previous things could be settled, an amicable discussion and consideration of such points might reconcile these differences; and in that hope, I chose rather to leave these points of difference to be discussed in that manner, than, by an improper intermeddling on my part, defeat my own wish and view of removing those difficulties, if they should arise. I say this in justification of myself, for not having brought the question immediately under consideration. I may have erred in judgment, but it arose singly from a good intention. I believe, and indeed know, that others, who have known more of Mr. Attorney-general's opinion upon these points, have reasoned in the same manner, and from the same causes, with myself. I most sincerely lament this unhappy circumstance; and see from it, the fatal consequences of this disunion, if no methods can yet be found to prevent it. I have done, and shall do, every thing in my power to remove all obstacles which might create any coolness or dif ference amongst those, who alone, in my opinion, can save this country and this government, if not from utter ruin, at least from contempt and insignificance, both at home and abroad, and establish such an administration and such a conduct of affairs as may, in some measure, recover our credit abroad, and make the best provision that the present situation will admit of, for the security of our interests at home, the honour of the King, and the ease and satisfaction of the nation. I once thought that hour near: I am sorry to say (and particularly from what I have seen this day), that I think it farther off than ever. I will not, however, despair. The prudent interposition of friends may reconcile differences of opinion in points of business, as well as of personal considerations. That interposition, I am sure, will not be wanting. I shall take the first safe opportunity of writing myself to the Duke of Devonshire upon this subject; who, I am sure, will agree with me, not only in lamenting the thing, but in endeavouring to remove the cause of it. I have this morning a letter from Mr. Legge, which will be entirely to your satisfaction. I am, with the greatest truth and respect, dear Sir, Your most affectionate humble servant, THE RT. HON. CHARLES TOWNSHEND TO MR. PITT. DEAR SIR, Grosvenor Square, October 31, 1763. I AM much mortified to find I have twice lost an opportunity of seeing you this day, and that, by calling at your door, I was prevented being at home, when you did me the honour of inquiring after me. If your stay in town should be short, and your time should be engaged, I beg the favour of your being permitted to wait upon you at Hayes, that I may have an opportunity of expressing, at least in part, the sincere and grateful sense I bear of partiality, generosity, and friendship, towards me upon a late occasion. (') So distinguished a testimony of Mr. Pitt's approbation and regard, given without my knowledge, and in a manner so very delicate towards me, must and ever will, as long as I have any judgment or gratitude, constitute my chief honour and satisfaction in life. I am, with the truest personal regard, and the most perfect consideration, Dear Sir, your most obliged and most obedient humble servant, C. TOWNSHEnd. SIR, VISCOUNT IRWIN (2) TO MR. PITT. Templenewsam, November 5, 1763. As I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, I am under a necessity of troubling you with a letter-a liberty which my () Mr. Charles Townshend was one of the five or six persons whom Mr. Pitt, in his recent interview with the King, had named for particular places. (2) Charles Ingram, Esq., member for Horsham, and one of the grooms of the bed-chamber, had succeeded to the title in May, on the death of his uncle, the right hon. and rev. Dr. George Ingram, Viscount Irwin. sincere regard for your character and conduct occasions, and which, I hope, you will excuse. My inheriting a peerage has made a vacancy in parliament for the borough of Horsham; and it is my great ambition, that you will do me the honour to name some friend of yours to supply my place, and believe me to be, with great regard and attachment, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, MR. PITT TO VISCOUNT IRWIN. MY LORD, IRWIN. November 1763. WORDS must ill express the warm sense I have of the peculiar honour which your letter has brought me, and how invaluably dear I shall ever hold such a testimony of your Lordship's favourable and friendly opinion. The kind manner in which this essential mark of countenance and support of my public conduct is conveyed to me, adds every flattering circumstance to the most effectual favour. As I am happy in owing such obligations to Lord Irwin, I embrace, with equal pride and joy, this public mark of his friendship, and venture to offer to his Lordship's consideration and favour a gentleman, whose sound principles, fair character, and promising abilities in Westminster Hall, will, |