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WILLIAM, EARL OF SHELBURNE
CH. II

motion. It is still a greater satisfaction to me, that Lord Shelburne is the person who has dissuaded him. His Lordship, who loves you sincerely, is so struck with the appearance of acting as if he did not, that though he says and thinks there has not been the least ground for the suggestion, he cannot bear to give any further room for such an insinuation. I am, &c., Henry Fox."

This is my letter to Lord Bute, which if I had been better, would have been better, and I should have said "imputation" instead of "appearance." But I think it can do no harm, will do good I hope.

H. F.

Meanwhile the long-wished-for peerage was about to be conferred on Lady Caroline Fox.

Fox to Shelburne.

February 1762.

My dear Lord,—Lord Bute said it would be in the course of this session, and I have not the least doubt of it. He thought the session might end before Easter, but I hear that the necessary business will make it last beyond that period, so that you see the time is to a degree uncertain. I have told your Lordship all I know of it, but must not mention it without a thousand thanks.

Adieu. H. F.

Fox to Bute.

March 1762.

My Lord,—I went to Lord Egmont, who desires to be Lord Lovel and Holland, Baron of Enmore, in the county of Somerset, which neither in his Lordship's opinion or in mine, is any objection to Lady Caroline being Lady Holland, Baroness of Holland, in the county of Lincoln, and Foxley, in the county of Wilts.[1] May I beg that Lady Caroline's warrant may be signed when any of the

  1. The creation did not actually take place till May 6th, 1762.