rial policy was obvious to all. "If measures and conduct are
not to be changed we are completely undone," wrote Selwyn in the
beginning of December--but he had no idea of supporting his opinion
by his vote: there were many others who thought and acted as he did.

(1781, Nov.) 28, Wednesday.--It is you see with me, that I address
you, veniente die comme decedente. I sent you some account of the
H(ouse) of Commons last night before the division; we were about 89
majority. I got home between two and three. I can no more go to
Brooks's to hear a rechauffe of these things, or assist at the
incense offered to Charles, or his benediction and salut to those he
protects. The reserve at White's tempts me as little, and so I think
my own pillow the best resource after these long days.

Young Mr. York brought me home, who commended your Speech, and the
manner in which you spoke it. He was present.

The terms of the Capitulation are now come, and everything known
which has happened, and in a few days more everybody will be as
indifferent as ever, except in their political language, about
[what] will happen.

I spoke to Keene about Richard's conduct; he laughed, and well he
might he said, Poor Beau! he does not mean to oppose; it was only in
that instance where the Sugar Islands were concerned, that he
dissented, and there he was by his property personally interested;
well then, for this time passe, as private motives must and will
ever supersede public considerations; so on that ground, et pour le
coup, he is excusable. But when Lord Hertford would not admit of his
staying one day at Rayley with his son, to shoot, lest he should not
be in time to give you the fullest assistance and concurrence
possible in all your measures; this deviation could not but make me
smile, as well as his friend Mr. Keene.

As to the other, he is a puppy du premier chef. I could not refuse
to his solicitation a letter of introduction, he himself being a
Member, and having a brother-in-law also in the House. But I could
not doubt neither from his discourse but he meant to support you;
and although I must have known that it was an interested motive
which actuated him, that matter I left for your consideration. His
father I knew well, God knows, and every step which I take in this
House reminds me of him, malheureusement pour moi, and why I do not
choose to say or to think of, now that he is dead, and is better
judged than by me. However, none of my r