necessary to bear in mind some of the main parliamentary incidents
of this particular period. On February 7, 1782, the House of Commons
resolved itself into a Committee to inquire into the present state
of naval affairs. Fox in an elaborate speech reviewed their course
for the preceding five years, and concluded by moving "that there
has been gross mismanagement of the naval affairs of Great Britain
during the course of the year 1781." The supporters of the
Government were as little satisfied with the administration of the
navy as the Opposition, and the debate, which was concluded by
another remarkable speech from Fox, resulted in a virtual defeat of
the Administration. The Opposition were in a minority only of 18
votes. On February 22nd a different ground was chosen by the
Opposition for their attack, General Conway moving an address that
the war in America should no longer be pursued. The noticeable
change in the feeling in the House of Commons, crammed as it was by
place-men, is clearly exemplified by the result of the division. On
this occasion the Government were only able to defeat the Opposition
by one vote, 194 to 193. On February 27th a similar address was
again moved by Conway and an attempt by the Government to adjourn
the debate was defeated by 234 to 215 votes. The address was then
carried without a division. Selwyn looking at events from what was,
politically speaking, a somewhat non-party point of view, is
obviously puzzled as to how the crisis would end. He tells us, too,
of the formation of a group of young politicians under Pitt. He
ascribes to the future Prime Minister the organisation of a party,
though hitherto these meetings at Goosetree's have been regarded
chiefly as social gatherings.

(1782,) Feb. 8, Friday, the Fast Day.--We were not up last night
till near three this morning; our numbers were 205 and 183. Our
majority was but mince, but it was a popular Question, but Lord
Sandwich is not a popular man; but I have lived long enough to have
remembered other ministers less popular, if possible, and who have
been since reverenced, and by the most respectable among those who
had traduced them. Charles made two speeches; the last was much
animated. Admiral Keppell spoke, and so did Sir E. Dering, drunk,
sicut suus mos est; but he says in that ivresse des verites vertes
et piquantes. He is a tiresome noisy fool, and I wish that he never
spoke anywhere but in the House of Commons.

Saturday.--I