either the time or manner to your ladyship's discretion.

Being, as you know, security for a considerable sum, borrowed for the use of my friend Charles, and understanding that there is now a negotiation on foot for his relief, and to extricate him from his present distressful situation, it cannot be thought unreasonable for me to put in my claim to partake of the benefits, and share the advantages of this intended alteration in his circumstances.

It was my friendship and love for him, that made me comply with his requests without deliberation or considering the consequences, and you are, I am sure, too just to think I deserve to be punished for my compliance. If indulgence was the cause of all his indiscretions, I fear his nearest relations will have as much to answer for as his friends; indeed, it would be very extraordinary if his heart and understanding had not seduced every one who knew him, into an unjustifiable partiality. But, when I consider my circumstances, and the situation in which I am as a husband and a father, your ladyship will not wonder that I am very serious on this occasion; and as Charles formerly received ten thousand pounds, of which nothing was paid to diminish the debt for which I am bound, and a large sum of money is to be now advanced, it is but just and equitable that some part of it should be allotted for the discharge of fifteen or sixteen thousand pounds, for which an annuity is

VOL. III.

F

to be paid of two thousand or twenty-five hundred pounds a-year. The payment of five thousand would make a diminution of the burthen. In short, I hope I shall never have it to say, that the family, with whom I have been so early connected, and whose kind behaviour to me had taught me to regard them as my warmest friends, should leave me out of their consideration, in an affair of so much consequence to me.

In regard to giving the bond, &c., it was an expedient I could not listen to, or think it reasonable I should lay myself under an obligation to pay money which I have never received, to persons to whom I am not in debt; or that the heir of your ladyship's family should have a claim upon my estate, because, from an excess of friendship, I had lent my name to relieve your son.

I am heartily concerned for the distress in your ladyship's family, and know how much you must feel on this account, and flatter myself therefore that with your usual good-nature you will make allowances for my situation, who have the interests of a wife and children to watch over; and excuse my presumption in writing with so much freedom on this occasion.

Pray present my best compliments to Lord Holland, and accept my most earnest wishes for the perfect establishment of your ladyship's health. I am, dear madam, with the greatest respect, your ladyship's most sincere friend, and humble servant.

THE EARL OF CARLISLE TO GEORGE SELWYN.

MY DEAR GEORGE,

Castle Howard, 14 January, 1774.

THERE is something so laughable in Stephen [Fox's] character and conduct, that though he were broke upon the wheel, or torn if possible between four wild horses, like Damien, the persons who live the most with him would never be grave or serious, upon any calamity happening to him. If Lady Mary was much alarmed, or if the birds were really burnt to death, I should be very sorry. As this is the first misfortune that ever happened to Stephen, which he did not bring upon himself, all compassionate thoughts and intentions may be turned from Charles to him. The letter, which I enclose a copy of from Lady Holland, is as satisfactory as I could expect from a woman. It is the devil to deal with two persons, one who really is a woman, and the other whose affectation is to be thought an old one.

You overcome me with your kindness in what you say about Lord Bristol; it is indeed a thing I have very much at heart. Your friendship is so different from anything I have ever met with, or seen in the world, that when I recollect the extraordinary proofs of your kindness, it seems like a dream. I will endeavour, by my conduct and change of manners, to make myself more

worthy of it; indeed such friendship as yours ought to be virtutum adjutrix, non vitiorum comes. I will do nothing rashly about the Argenton estate.

Pray direct the enclosed to Lord Grantham; I think the best way is to send it through the Secretary of State's office. Lady Carlisle always desires to be remembered by you; she is very sensible of your goodness to me. Our children are both well. I am, my dear George, yours, &c.

CARLISLE.

P.S. As I seldom hear from any body but yourself, pray let me hear something of Hare and Storer, &c.

THE HON. THOMAS DE GREY TO GEORGE SELWYN.

SIR,

Chandos Street, 19 January, 1774.

In consequence of what Lord North has said, my father and I have acquiesced that, with your leave, and under your sanction, Mr. Keene should be recommended to you by your constituents of the borough of Ludgershall.

I am on my part to return you my best thanks for the honour you were pleased to intend me, in the first instance; and for attention to me in the conversation I had the honour to hold with you yesterday.

I am, sir, with great truth and respect, Your most obedient and most humble servant, THOMAS DE GREY.

THE EARL OF CARLISLE TO GEORGE SELWYN.

MY DEAR GEORGE,

21 January, 1774.

You are very good to me to write so often, and such long letters. Pray continue this mark of your kindness and affection.

I have the happiness to see that Lady Carlisle is daily gaining strength. At a proper season, the sea, I should think, may do her more good than anything that can be prescribed. If I have wherewithal to undertake the London journey, I shall be ready to come into any system that may be thought advisable; but I will talk more upon this subject when I have received Gregg's accounts, which I have not yet done.

What I am going to tell you is told me in confidence. I understand, from a person on whom I can depend, that there is still great dissatisfaction and want of resolution in Lord B.* I have not a doubt but he will go to Ireland. Nothing, in my opinion, but his death, as he is situated, can prevent his going through with it. But the But the question is put with a great deal of significancy, is

in earnest in his solicitations for Lord C.?+

* The nobleman here alluded to, was probably either John, second Earl of Buckinghamshire, appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in 1776, or, more probably, George William, second Earl of Bristol, who had previously held that appointment.

+ Lord Carlisle.