t, but before this time,
you will have received a letter from me, enclosing a Bill
proposed by Percy. I confess his dissent alarmed me a good deal
at the time, ignorant as I was whether you might not see it in
the same light. I am convinced now that it proceeds only from
his resentment at not being consulted previous to its being
fixed upon. The second reading stands now for Wednesday; but I
doubt whether it can come on, as I understand the call
previously fixed for that day is to be insisted upon. Before
that time, I shall probably have received your letter, informing
me whom you have consulted, as that is very material,
particularly with regard to my being able to urge Grattan and
Yelverton's authority against Fox and Fitzpatrick. At all
events, however, I mean now to proceed in it on that day if I
can, if not as early as possible, and to _bring_ you the account
of the third reading in the House of Commons.

All this proceeds upon the idea that nothing of a different
nature happens before; which I still think there is every reason
to imagine. I cannot learn whether Fox and Lord North have
settled their coalition so as to act together on Monday.
Jenkinson is, I believe, secured to us; but at what price, and
with what following, I am utterly ignorant; and on that the
whole undoubtedly depends. As soon as I know anything, you shall
hear it in the most expeditious manner; but I do not give you my
conjectures when they are merely such, because I know people at
a distance are apt to give them more weight than they deserve,
and I should be sorry to mislead you.

The Duke of Rutland is Lord Steward, and it is said he is called
to the Cabinet. This, to my mind, argues great weakness indeed.
In the House of Lords, Lord Pembroke moves the Address; in the
House of Commons, T. Pitt. This, I think, does not show very
great strength. The seconders I know not.

You have several times mentioned the Pension List; and I have as
often forgot to tell you, that I inquired in the first instance
without speaking to Pitt, and found that, whatever reform is to
be made, rests wholly with Lord Shelburne, who appears to act in
it on no system, but to add or to take away at his pleasure.
Jackson and Jemmy Grenville remonstrated some days ago at the
Treasury against signing any more till they sa