should then form a part. I have had an
explanation with Pitt, in the course of these discussions, on
the subject of Lord Sydney's office. He told me that he was
unwilling to remove him abruptly, without the means of making
him, at the same time, some sort of compensation; but that,
whenever any such opportunity offered, he should willingly and
eagerly embrace it. Lord Hardwicke's life, Barre's, the Duke of
Montagu's, Orde's and the Duke of Bolton's, with some others,
were mentioned as holding out no unreasonable or distant
prospect of such an arrangement. And I can with perfect
sincerity say to you--to whom I think aloud--that I am by no
means desirous that the interval should be so much shortened, as
to make the appointment immediate. I am in the train of making
myself fitter for it: in the enjoyment of as much confidence as
that office ever could give me, and with the consciousness of
being admitted to many opportunities of doing real service to
the Government that I act with. My present income is
sufficient--such an appointment would not in reality increase
it--and your goodness holds out to me a near prospect of that
future independence, which was the only thing wanting to make my
present situation perfectly happy. You see how little temptation
I have to exchange it even for that to which I have hitherto
looked; but much more for that which is so unexpectedly put
within my reach, but which is attended with so many hazards to
myself, and to the general system of Administration.

I much wish to receive your opinion on this whole subject, not
only as it is connected with myself, but as to the means of
finding any other person to undertake the office supposing me
out of the question. It is perfectly understood that the Duke of
Grafton would not accept it, which I certainly consider as a
very fortunate circumstance. With respect to yourself, I have
written the whole of what is above; and have listened to any
conversation on the subject, only in the idea that your opinion
will remain the same. I feel too much confidence in your good
opinion of me, to think it necessary to take up your time in
saying what you must unquestionably feel, that no conception of
competition on this point could ever enter into my head; and
that, even if I have taught myself to look to other situation