rrence to
the peace; besides which, he probably feels little disposed to
any mode of bringing about an event by which he loses so much
consequence, and what is no less dear to him, so much patronage.
I hear nothing said from any authority about his successor; the
Duke of Grafton and Lord Howe seem to be the persons most talked
of. Things are going on much too well in Ireland for them to
think of, or I think for you to wish, especially at this moment,
a different arrangement from either of those two.

It is very much reported, and I believe with certainty, that the
Duke of Richmond has retired from the Cabinet, and means at the
same time to keep the Ordnance. What other people mean about
that, is, I think, not quite so clear; though the Duke of
Richmond's bitterest enemy could not, I should think, wish to
see him in a more degrading situation--such a situation,
indeed, as it seems impossible should last for any length of
time, or a moment longer than till a proper successor is found.

Minorca goes to France, and not to Spain, as Tom told you. That,
I think, is _tant pis_.

I have just received your despatches of the 22nd, and found, to
my great disappointment, that you had not then received mine of
the 19th. It is upon the conviction of _bonne foi_ that I act.

Ever yours,
W. W. G.

I hope if the Admiralty should be offered you, you deliberate
very maturely, particularly on the prospect in the House of
Commons here.

MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO LORD TEMPLE.

Pall Mall, Jan. 27th, 1783.

My dear Brother,

Although Townshend has probably informed you, yet I could not
help writing a line by this messenger to congratulate you upon
the capture of a French seventy-four and frigate, with which the
war ends. They were taken near Barbadoes, by Hughes's squadron,
after a short action with the 'Ruby,' the headmost ship.

I have already written by the post. The Duke of Richmond's
resignation is not certain; and Townshend, Conway and Pitt
certainly approve and stay in.

Ever yours,
W. W. G.

Some particulars concerning the arrangements for the new Order of
Knighthood will be read with curiosity. The pretensions of particular
individuals to the Ribband of St. Patrick do not properly form materials
for political history, and a few letters, in which such claims are