le time that
now remains for negotiation. Another, and perhaps not the least
of the two, was the strong bent of his mind to admit the
assertions of the French Government, however unfounded, and to
soften our communications, in order to keep back a rupture,
which he has so great a personal interest to prevent, in
addition to those motives which we all have in common for
wishing the continuance of peace.

With a view to these considerations, I was earnestly requested
to proceed to Paris for a fortnight or three weeks, in order to
carry on this negotiation jointly with him. I have been very
unwilling to accept this commission, because my opinion of the
possibility of its success is much less sanguine than that of
others. But I am satisfied that it is the duty of Government to
leave nothing untried, however hopeless, which can enable us to
maintain our ground without having recourse to extremities. And
there is certainly, _caeteris paribus_, a better chance of doing
this with the assistance of one who is in some degree acquainted
with the particulars which are likely to come in question, and
who will most undoubtedly state explicitly the real sentiments
which are entertained here. For these reasons, I have thought
myself not at liberty to refuse, and have given a reluctant
consent.

I shall probably set out either to-morrow evening or Friday
morning. It seems best for me not to go with any ostensible
character, as that would be ridiculous in the case of my coming
back _re infecta_ within a few days after my appointment. But in
the other much less probable event, it would, I think, be right
for me to have powers to sign with Eden.

It is, on the whole, a very hazardous undertaking, and one
which, for a variety of reasons, I would gladly have avoided. I
think I am sure to carry with me your warmest wishes for my
success; and as I know the anxiety which you feel upon it, you
may depend on hearing from me as soon as I have anything worth
communicating, either good or bad.

In the meantime, believe me, with the truest affection,

My dear brother,
Most sincerely yours,
W. W. Grenville.

P.S. There is no news, either from Harris or Eden, since I
wrote.

Two days afterwards, Mr. Grenville, in a few hasty lines, informs his
brother that he is that instant settin