quently, that the
removal of Lord Shelburne (even if that could be an object with
me) would not compensate in my mind for the real and solid
mischief which these frequent and rapid changes, which have
already taken place, and which in a few months will again
happen, must always bring upon the Government of both kingdoms;
and I need not give your Grace a more convincing argument than
by recalling to your mind the jealousy which was felt in so many
parts of Ireland at your resignation, and the ferment which the
unsettled form of Government brought forward.

I have stated these few observations from an impulse which I
cannot suppress. If I really was vain enough to think my
continuance in this or any official situation was important to
the public, I would sacrifice much to endeavour to reconcile my
feelings to it; but as I am certain that your Grace's friendship
alone could have suggested to you the option which you have
given to me, I shall truly consult that, in which I shall always
take the strongest interest, your Grace's advantage, honour and
reputation, by enabling you to send to this very difficult
situation some other person, who may have equal advantages with
myself in possessing your good-will, and whose abilities might
enable him to return that debt, by giving solid and material
strength to your Administration. But be assured, my dear Lord,
that I am truly sensible of the value of the offer, and that
this is a real gratification to me. And with these sentiments,

I am, my dear Lord,
Your very obliged and obedient servant,
Nugent Temple.

His Grace the Duke of Portland.

Lord Shelburne tendered his resignation on the 24th. "Whether," says Mr.
Grenville, "that resignation was to be accepted immediately, and was or
was not to be followed by the others, I do not know." It appears,
however, from a letter of General Cuninghame's, that the colleagues of
the Ministers were waiting in the ante-chamber, prepared to follow him
into retirement.

MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO LORD TEMPLE.

Pall Mall, Feb. 24th, 1783.

My dear Brother,

I don't write to you by a messenger, because I have nothing
decisive to tell you. Lord Shelburne went in to-day to resign.
Whether that resignation was to be accepted immediately, and was
or was not to be followed by the others, I do not yet know.