elicate a subject for me to say
anything upon, more than to assure you that, whatever is your
determination about it, you will not find me shrink from the
part I have or may have to take in it.

And one word here about the desire I have expressed to return to
England: it is impossible not to say that I feel that desire in
the strongest degree. I would not speak peevishly about my
disappointment in the unlucky check that I have met with; but I
think you will agree that the real service it might have been my
good fortune perhaps to have been assisting in, is by that check
completely annihilated, nor can any step now taken recover or
retrieve it; and that consideration weighs pretty heavily in a
situation in itself not agreeable to me. But if I repeat this
now, it is to keep you awake to the earnest solicitations I make
of returning in the first moment you may think it practicable;
till then you need have no apprehension of seeing me, but may
trust that no personal motives, however strong, can weigh
against the important reasons you state, as well as the desire
you express, for my continuing something longer at Paris.

I am writing to you on the 16th, waiting impatiently for M. de
Vergennes's answer, which he gave me reason to hope I shall have
to-morrow.

MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO MR. FOX.

June 21st.

I have been waiting day after day, and have not got my answer
till a few hours ago. I am sorry to have kept you so long, but
you see it was impossible to avoid it. A report prevails that
Bougainville is arrived at St. Domingo with two ships, as
likewise are the four that were at Curacao. They add that Rodney
had been obliged to burn three of his captured ships. La Motthe
Peguet has twice had orders to sail from Brest with his seven
ships, and as often been recalled. They expect Guichen soon with
the fleet from Cadiz of thirty-two ships: they are said to have
sailed on the 4th.

Pray tell Sheridan to be more cautious in what he writes by the
post. If I had time I should give him a lecture; but I want to
send away the messenger.

Adieu. Oswald affects to consider me now as fully authorized,
but I believe expects different news as soon as the Independence
Bill is passed; but I cannot help thinking you had better leave
him where he is, for his going away will m