n
the policy of not reserving the Independence of America as a
matter of treaty and the price of a peace, but to grant it at
once unconditionally; on which he was beat. And immediately on
Lord Rockingham's death, Lord Shelburne informs them that he is
to be First Lord of the Treasury and the King's Minister, though
_against his wish_, &c., &c. They proposed the Duke of Portland,
which the King refused; and after a great deal of idle
negotiation, in which it was evident there was no power left
with our friends, the measure of to-day was determined on. Lord
John Cavendish goes out with Charles, Keppel follows; but, to
his shame, in my opinion, the _Duke of Richmond_, I believe,
will remain. Mr. Pitt joins Shelburne, and will be either
Chancellor of the Exchequer or Secretary of State. For the rest,
it is not known whether they will make up out of the old set, or
take all new. Conway also will stay. But still, those who go are
right; for there is really no other question but whether, having
lost their power, they ought to stay and lose their characters.
And so begins a new Opposition; but wofully thinned and
disconcerted, I fear. I am sure, however, that you will think
what has been done was right. Fitzpatrick is here, but returning
to Ireland; where, however, neither he nor the Duke will remain.

I write in great haste, which you must excuse. Yours ever truly,
R. B. Sheridan.

What you hear of Cornwallis having lost some transports, is a
matter of no magnitude.

MR. FOX TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE.

Dear Grenville,

You will not wonder at my being hurried too much at this moment
to write you a detail of what has happened. I do assure you that
the thing that has given me most concern, is the sort of scrape
I have drawn you into; but I think I may depend upon your way of
thinking for forgiving me; though to say one can depend upon any
man, is a bold word, after what has passed within these few
days. I am sure, on the other hand, that you may depend upon my
eternal gratitude to you for what you have undergone on my
account, and that you always must have the greatest share in my
friendship and affection. I do not think you will think these
[less] valuable than you used to do. I have done right, I am
sure I have. The Duke of Richmond thinks very much otherwise,
an