I will fairly own to you,
that, a quelque prise que ce soit, I wish this administration of
yours in Ireland was at an end; and if no other ever began, I should
be as well contented, unless, what is impossible, it could be exempt
from those solicitudes which do not seem in any degree to be
suitable to your constitution. However, it will be not what I think
or feel which must determine that question. I am only sorry that
whatever be the burthen, I can take no part of it, for you, on my
own shoulders. You have given me one occupation,(176) and for that I
am much obliged, because, while no adverse accident happens, it will
be one of the pleasures of my life, and not an inconsiderable one
neither, and will, I hope, be one of those indisputable marks of
affection with which I am, ever have been, and shall remain your(s).
My best and most cordial respects to Lady C(arlisle) and my love to
the children, and my compliments besides to whom you please.

(176) Probably to look after Lord Morpeth during his father's
absence in Ireland.

(1781, Nov.?) 27 (26?), Monday night.--Storer came to town this
morning, as he proposes to tell you to-night; he dined with me. I
met him first in the street, as I was returning from Lincoln's Inn.
He had been, as he was engaged to do, to Lord Loughborough, to whom
he had made a promise of going on his arrival. Neither the air or
the bonne chere of the Castle have (has) done him any harm; il a
bonne mine. He has left me to go to Brooks's, and perhaps to the
Cockpit(177); but as that is a compliment to the Minister rather
than as a support of Government, he shewed no great empressement;
nor could I inspire him with a zeal which I have not myself. I am
not a solicitor of any future benefit from those who are in power,
and when I require no more than common civility, they must not be
surprised, if I [do] not pay what I do not receive.

We have had a blow, for the cause is a common (one). This surrender
of Lord Cornwallis (178) seems to have put le comble a nos
disgraces. What has been said about it, either at White's or parmi
les Grenouilles at Brooks's, I know not.(179) I have not been out
but for an hour before dinner to Mr. Woodcock. I received the first
news of this yesterday from Williams, who dined with me, but you may
be sure it was a subject he did not like to dwell upon, and I chose
to talk with him rather of old than of modern times, because of them
we may be agreed; of the present, wha