writ may be moved. He thinks Sir
C. M.'s consent quite certain, and Mulgrave's highly probable;
but that part in which I am concerned does not depend on that,
as, even if Mulgrave refuses the Comptrollership, there is
another arrangement, though not one equally desirable, by which
he will vacate the Pay-Office. The only impediment that can be
thrown in my way is from the Duke of Richmond, who has,
certainly, if he is disposed to push it, a prior claim to Lord
Sydney's office; but there is the greatest reason to believe,
that he will prefer to remain where he now is. This will,
however, be ascertained in a few days, when I write to you
again. I think, if all this takes place, it will be a pretty
decisive answer to all the ideas that have been thrown out of
the King's wavering; and in that point of view, independent of
all others, it is extremely desirable. Under these
circumstances, I have no doubt that you will think that I have
done right in eagerly embracing the offer which has been made
me; and, also, that you will be of opinion that the reversion is
much preferable to the office in Ireland, which would, just at
this moment, expose me to much unnecessary odium, besides the
great inconvenience of a journey to Ireland, in a situation
which requires constant residence and attendance.

Ever most affectionately yours,
W. W. G.

A letter from Sir William Young, of the same date, elucidates the
imbroglio still farther, and is especially interesting as an
illustration of that peculiar trait in His Majesty's character--his
intimate knowledge and curiosity about persons--to which attention has
already been drawn. The whole description of the interview with the King
is a good specimen of familiar historical painting.

SIR WILLIAM YOUNG TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Old Bond Street, May 16th, 1788.

My dear Lord,

His Majesty honoured me, on Wednesday, with a pretty long
conference in the closet; during which we travelled over the
whole _carte du pays Hibernois_. He was, as usual, much more
particular in his inquiries about _persons_ than about
_business_; and he seemed to be, above all, very anxious to
learn how we stood with Lord Shannon, having learnt from Mr. O.
that his Lordship was to be at dagger-drawing with us, on
account of his supposed resentment for your Lordship's supp