present moment, I know
nothing that could arise but a total interruption of all
confidence where it is most necessary. To my feelings, nothing
could justify such a proceeding but a direct breach of
engagement; and, in the present instance, you have received a
direct assurance of a determination to fulfil the engagement if
you think proper to insist upon it.

The other particulars are of much less importance. Pretyman's
appointment was never denied to be a breach of the rule.
Harley's tended to restore the equality which that had
interrupted. Grisdale was an Oxford man; I did not therefore
state the refusal of him to have been made on that ground, but I
repeat that Lord Lonsdale was expressly told that no
recommendation of a Cambridge man would be accepted.

I have nothing to do with Doneraile, except in a promise of
conveying to you the proposition on the subject, as it was made
to me by Sir James Erskine, who is a friend of St. Leger's. I do
not clearly understand from your letter whether you comply with
Fortescue's request. If you do, it would be a charity to let him
know it, as he is remaining in London. I am much surprised at
Mr. Griffith's delay.

There is every appearance that the Dutch negotiation is going on
prosperously; so much so, that it is even not impossible that we
may have the treaty by the meeting of Parliament, which would
unquestionably be very desirable.

Adieu, my dear brother,
Believe me ever most sincerely and affectionately yours,
W. W. G.

MR. W. W. GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Whitehall, Nov. 14th, 1787.

My dear Brother,

I enclose you a letter from Sir William Bowyer, who seems
frightened out of all the senses he ever possessed. I take it
for granted it is not your intention he should serve, or that
there will be no harm in putting him out of his alarm as soon as
possible.

I wait only for your return to town to lay before you a list of
applications, which would completely fill up your family, and
supply any deficiencies in Orde's list. Every man who knows me
by sight, who remembers my name at Eton or Oxford, or who voted
for me in Bucks, is to be immediately made either a chaplain or
an aid-de-camp, or is to have a snug place of L1,000 a-year to
begin with, as Sir Francis Wronghead says. As I know y