the King's consent.

The Revolution affords the only thing like a precedent even for
the principles on which we can proceed; and yet that is a case
widely different from the present, because then the person
possessed of the right was declared either to have abdicated
that right, or forfeited it, or both. Here the King may not live
many years under an incapacity of exercising the right, and yet
may afterwards be restored to his faculties.

It is a heavy calamity that is inflicted upon us in any case
except that of his perfect recovery; but in the event which
there seems most ground to fear, it may give rise to serious and
difficult questions, such as cannot even be discussed without
shaking the security and tranquillity of the country.

I am obliged to close this letter without any more information.

Ever yours,
W. W. G.

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

Whitehall, Nov. 9th, 1788.

My dear Brother,

I am much concerned that I was obliged to send off my letter
yesterday evening, and the rather as there will be no
opportunity of sending this till to-morrow. I find that there
was not the least foundation for any part of the reports which I
mentioned to you.

Pitt came back last night. He said the physicians do not
apprehend present danger, but that their fear is that the
insanity will be permanent, but they will not pronounce anything
yet. The Prince had a long conversation with him relating to the
King's situation, but nothing from which he could collect what
he thought of doing in the two cases that may arise. The general
notion is, that he will try to negotiate with Pitt from the fear
of his popularity; but I do not think it probable. He treated
Pitt with civility, but nothing more.

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

Sunday, Nov. 9th, 1788.

My dear Brother,

There was no truth in any of the reports which I mentioned to
you in my letter by the post yesterday. Pitt came back to town
last night about nine, and afterwards called here. He had seen
all the physicians, and had much conversation with them. They
seemed still unwilling, or unable, to decide as to the nature of
his disorder; but Warren appeared to incline to the opinion of
an ossification. They told him that they had determined, as an
exp