n the whole, therefore, I have thought it best to
accept of Lord Fitzwilliam's offer, and have accordingly written to
say so.

I will not unnecessarily add to this letter, as I expect to see you
so soon: we calculate that in about twenty-six days we shall
receive from you our answer, with permission to return; and that we
shall be enabled to set out between the 15th and 20th of October at
latest. Happy, indeed, I am to find, by the conclusion of your
letter, that everything is going on at home upon as good a footing
as we could wish. Every day's experience confirms me in the
conviction, that with the present arrangement of Government, the
peace and prosperity of the country must stand and fall; and
however threatening may be the prospect from without, as long as
everything keeps so right within, I shall continue to be of good
heart.

I am ashamed of having written so much about myself, or rather I
should be so if I was not writing to you; but I have confidence in
your kindness and affection.

God bless you, my dear brother.

MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.

(Private.) Vienna, Sept. 15th, 1794.
DEAR DUKE OF PORTLAND,

The impatience which we know that you must all have in England to
hear the result of your last determinations, leaves me no time to
add to what is contained in our despatches; but having had occasion
to write to Lord Fitzwilliam upon his having offered to me and
pressed upon me the Secretaryship in Ireland, I cannot let the
messenger go without a few words likewise to you upon that subject,
to tell you that I have left that to your decision and to his;
having only added such expressions of my own views and inclinations
as I know your friendship for me will lead you to view in their
proper light. My objections to the situation of Secretary in
Ireland you very well know, because even all my desire of making
myself useful to you could not, twelve years ago, overcome those
objections. I am, however, so persuaded that, in this moment, it is
every man's duty to take his task without consulting his
inclination, that if, all things considered, you agree with Lord
Fitzwilliam in thinking that I had best go to Ireland, I will
certainly try it.

You will, I am sure, forgive me for adding that, if the f