In the midst of the contests just described Lady Shelburne died, and Shelburne himself, whose health had since been suffering severely, resolved to leave England as soon as his duties allowed him to do so.[1] "I am heartily sorry," he writes on April 25th, "for the result of the several communications your Lordship has made of your wishes and those of the friends of the public. It is not my business, still less my inclination, to judge the motives of any; the public, however, necessarily will; and I greatly fear the consequence will either be general despondency, or very ill-judged violence. … In this situation I have given the necessary orders for my journey, and hope to be gone in the course of next week, persuaded your Lordship can have no further commands for your humble servant."[2]
On May the 11th accordingly Shelburne, accompanied by Barré, started on his journey.
