it at the time that you
are lamenting the unavoidable difficulties under which he
already labours. The delay, I firmly believe, will be very short
indeed.

While I am making up this, I receive yours of the 28th of March.
It is supposed that the King, when he wrote the note negativing
the coalition, either depended on Pitt, or meant by that means
to force him. I have, as far as possible, observed towards Pitt
the line you state, and I think with success.

I have heard nothing till this moment of the pretty negotiation
of which you speak; but do not suppose any man, or set of men,
would authorize the sale of a judicial office.

Here follows the letter from the King, enclosed in the above. The
historical interest of this confidential communication cannot be
overrated.

THE KING TO LORD TEMPLE.

Queen's House, April 1st, 1783.

My Lord,

I had the pleasure, on the 26th of last month, to receive from
your truly amiable and right-headed brother and secretary, your
very able letter of the 23rd on the state of Ireland, couched in
terms that also conveyed the warmest attachment to my person and
Government, which makes me not deem among the least of public
misfortunes, that the want of resolution in some, and of public
zeal in others, will oblige you to quit a station which you fill
so much to the satisfaction of all honest men as well as to
mine.

Since the conversation I had with Mr. William Grenville on the
16th of last month, I have continued every possible means of
forming an Administration; an experience of now above twenty-two
years convinces me that it is impossible to erect a stable one
within the narrow bounds of any faction, for none deserve the
appellation of party; and that in an age when disobedience to
law and authority is as prevalent as a thirst after changes in
the best of all political Constitutions, it requires temper and
sagacity to stem these evils, which can alone be expected from a
collection of the best and most calm heads and hearts the
kingdom possesses.

Judge, therefore, of the uneasiness of my mind, at having been
thwarted in every attempt to keep the administration of public
affairs out of the hands of the most unprincipled coalition the
annals of this or any other nation can equal. I have withstood
it till not a single man is