--supposing things to
continue in their present unhappy state--that the King's health
has not admitted either of his proroguing them, or of his
signing a Commission to open the session, and, therefore, to
propose that they should adjourn. As soon as the physicians feel
themselves able to pronounce it a disorder seated on the brain,
they must be examined before the Council, and the circumstance
stated to Parliament, and a Bill brought in to enable the Prince
of Wales to act as Regent. It seems a great doubt whether any,
and what limitations ought to be proposed. Those under which the
King was authorized to appoint a Regent, in case of minority,
appear too great; nor, indeed, would it as I conceive be
possible, in the present state of things, to carry on such a
Government. The great object to be looked to, seems to be the
keeping the Government in such a state as that if the King's
health should be restored he might be, as far as possible,
enabled to resume it, and to conduct it in such a manner as he
might judge best.

I suppose there never was a situation in which any set of men
ever had, at once, so many points to decide, so essentially
affecting their own honour, character, and future situation,
their duty to their country in a most critical situation, and
their duty to their unhappy master, to whom they are
unquestionably bound by ties of gratitude and honour,
independent of considerations of public duty towards him. I hope
God, who has been pleased to afflict us with this severe and
heavy trial, will enable us to go through it honestly,
conscientiously, and in a manner not dishonourable to our
characters.

God bless you, my dear brother. Nothing would be such a
satisfaction to me as to be able to talk all this over with you,
instead of this slow and imperfect communication.

I found that Bernard was still in town, and have therefore
desired him to stay, because I thought he could be of little use
to me, and that all this may take a sudden turn which may make
his being on the spot very important.

I send you a letter which I had begun in cypher, that you may
see how far you can make it out. In going it over, which you
will observe I was doing, I observe a few mistakes, but not, I
think, such as would materially embarrass you.

Ever yours,
W. W. G.