ought to drive; whether to an absolute
rupture, or merely to the recal of Oswald and the simplification
of this negotiation, is a point that may be afterwards
considered. I own I incline to the more decisive measure, and so
I think do those with whom I must act in concert.

I am very happy indeed that you did not come yourself: the
mischief that would have happened from it to our affairs are
incredible; and I must beg of you, nay, entreat and conjure you,
not to think of taking any precipitate step of this nature. As
to the idea of replacing you with Lord Fitzwilliam, not only it
would be very objectionable on account of the mistaken notion it
would convey of things being much riper than they are, but it
would, as I conceive, be no remedy to the evil. Whether the
King's Minister at Paris be an Ambassador Extraordinary or a
Minister Plenipotentiary, can make no difference as to the
question. The clandestine manner of carrying on a separate
negotiation, which we complain of, would be equally practicable
and equally blameable if Lord Fitzwilliam was Ambassador, as it
is now that Mr. Grenville is Plenipotentiary. I must therefore
again entreat you, as a matter of personal kindness to me, to
remain a little longer at Paris; if you were to leave it, all
sorts of suspicions would be raised. It is of infinite
consequence that we should have it to say that we have done all
in our power to make peace, not only with regard to what may be
expected from America, but from Europe.

The King of Prussia is certainly inclined to be our friend; but
he urges and presses to make peace if possible. If we could once
bring the treaty to such a point as that, stating the demands on
each side to him, we could have his approbation for breaking it
off, I think it not impossible but the best consequences might
follow; and with regard to North America, it is surely clear to
demonstration, that it is of infinite consequence that it should
be publicly understood who is to blame if the war continues. I
do hope, therefore, that you will at all events stay long enough
to make your propositions, and to call upon them to make others
in return. I know your situation cannot be pleasant; but as you
first undertook it in a great measure from friendship to me, so
let me hope that the same motive will induce you to