known and published now will make the nomination of my successor as effectual to His Majesty's purposes as if he could immediately execute the office, which indeed was never done. Pitt, turned out in November 1756, was desired to let the Books be carried on in his name till Xmas, and, when Winnington died in April 1746, a Person was appointed, though Pitt had kissed Hands, to carry it on in Winnington's name till Midsummer. I shall see your Lordship early on Monday.
"And now, my Lord, assuring you upon my word of honour that I go out with the same inclination and the same sincere good wishes to your Lordship, as if there had been no mistake, and this had been, as you thought it, my own desire from the first, I will suppose that I am entitled to that friendship which you promised me, which I will return, and cultivate with the utmost cordiality."
To this letter Lord Bute immediately replied as follows:
"You must excuse me, if, notwithstanding all you say, I cannot feel myself in the least deficient with regard to you, in any one point of honour, friendship, or regard. I heard from your own friends a thing that suited so exactly my feelings that I never thought more about it, and when you surprised me by saying I was misinformed, I acquiesced in your being the best judge of your own conduct, knowing full well that in all events the King would leave it to your option, but I shall say more of this when we meet, that I beg may be on Tuesday at ten instead of to-morrow.[1] Suffer me in the meantime to assure you, that the last lines of your letter give me great pleasure, as they secure to me your friendship that I am most solicitous to keep and most certainly deserve."[2]
Fox had meanwhile told Calcraft to suggest to Shelburne that he might not be so unwilling after all to
- ↑ The interview was again put off till 30th March (Thursday) by Fox. Fox to Bute, March 27th, 1763.
- ↑ Bute to Fox, March 26th, 1763.
name of Mr. Fox to the end of the second quarter, it would be a proof that his resignation had not been expected in the first, the custom being to allow the accounts to be carried on for the outgoing paymaster to the end of the current quarter.
