miliations. By October 1802 Bonaparte was master of four Republics
bordering on France, and had annexed Piedmont and Elba, besides securing
Parma and Louisiana by profitable exchanges. Such a peace was worse than
a disastrous war. Yet Addington made no protest except against the
virtual subjugation of Switzerland. True, the Cabinet now clung to the
Cape and Malta as for dear life; but elsewhere the eye could see French
influence creeping resistlessly over Europe, while the German Powers
were intent only on securing the spoils of the Ecclesiastical States.
Well might Pitt write to Wilberforce on 31st October: "You know how much
under all the circumstances I wished for peace, and my wishes remain the
same, if Bonaparte can be made to feel that he is not to trample in
succession on every nation in Europe. But of this I fear there is little
chance, and without it I see no prospect but war." Worst of all, there
were sure signs that France and the other Powers distrusted and despised
Addington. Vorontzoff, the Russian ambassador, declared that he would
work hard to form an alliance with Pitt, but despaired of effecting
anything with his successor.[642] In truth, Pitt's excessive
scrupulousness at the time of his resignation had enclosed himself and
his country in a vicious circle from which the only means of escape was
war.

A prey to these harassing thoughts, Pitt left Walmer near the close of
October 1802 to take the waters at Bath. On the way he visited Sir
Charles Middleton at Teston in Kent, and sought distraction by inquiries
on farming. Middleton wrote to Wilberforce on 26th October: "His
inquiries were very minute and judicious; and it is incredible how
quickly he comprehended things, and how much further he reasons on them
than I can follow him.... I believe Mr. Pitt has it in his power to
become the first farmer in England if he thinks the pursuit worth his
time and attention."[643] The treatment at Bath suited Pitt so well that
he prolonged his stay. Rose, whom he invited to Bath in the second week
of November, thus describes to Bishop Tomline his manner of life:

Bath, _Nov. 21, 1802_.[644]

Mr. Pitt's health mends every day: it is really better than it
has been ever since I knew him. I am quite sure this place
agrees with him _entirely_, he eats a small [_illegible_] and a
half for breakfast, and more at dinner than I ever saw him at
1/2 past 4: no lunch