right, that in the comparative infirmities of human nature the whole should be charged to my side of the account. But let it be understood, on the other hand, that I have ever preserved the same affection towards you, without interruption, and in all times and circumstances.

"Nor have I ever ceased to reflect, with a mixture of fair pride, pleasure, and regret, that so many of the happiest days of my life have been passed in your conversation and society.

"Ever affectionately and sincerely yours,

"AUCKLAND."

In the letter to Mr. Beresford, from which I just now quoted, Lord Auckland also gives some news of the day, and this among the rest: "I much fear that the Archbishop is going." Here he refers to his brother-in-law, Archbishop Moore of Canterbury. The life of that Prelate was indeed well understood to be in danger; and the chances of his succession began to be discussed. Foremost among the probable successors was a cousin of the Duke of Rutland, Dr. Manners Sutton, Bishop of Norwich and Dean of Windsor. In this last capacity he had become well known to and most highly esteemed by the King. At Cuffnells, in October, His Majesty expressed his hope and belief that he and Mr. Pitt should agree in Bishop Sutton to succeed Archbishop Moore.1

On this point, however, His Majesty was much mistaken. In the course of November a new competitor appeared. This was another Bishop and Dean-Dr.

1 Diaries of Mr. Rose, vol. ii. p. 194.

2

Tomline, Bishop of Lincoln and Dean of St. Paul's. He first stated his pretensions in a letter to Rose, which he requested Rose to lay before Mr. Pitt; and Mr. Pitt at once espoused his cause with all the zeal and warmth of an early friend. But the further progress of this affair will best be shown by some correspondence of the Bishop himself.

Bishop of Lincoln to Mr. Rose.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Deanery, St. Paul's, Dec. 3, 1804. "I went to dine and sleep at Putney on Saturday, and Mr. Pitt, as soon as he saw me, told me that he was to be at Windsor the next day or two, and would certainly speak upon the subject about which you have so kindly interested yourself. He desired to see me this morning at breakfast at Putney; but he came down late, and I could not see him alone, although he said before a third person, Bishop, I want to speak to you, and must get into your carriage with you.' He did so, and told me what had passed. It is by no means decisive; but as far as it goes it is rather favourable, inasmuch as no fixed determination or promise was mentioned, although a very strong wish and opinion, of course against me, or rather in favour of the other person, were expressed. The Lord Chancellor was present at Windsor. Mr. Pitt means to write fully upon the subject, which he thinks better than conversation in the present state of the King. I am confident that he will do everything in his power, short of absolute force. Nothing can be more kind than his manner and expressions; and my mind is perfectly at ease, indeed much more than at ease.

2 Diaries of Mr. Rose, vol. ii. p. 84.

"I have but a moment to say that I rather think we shall remain in town and at Fulham till Saturday, when we shall go to Wycombe to meet Mr. Pitt at Lord Carrington's. Adieu, my dear Sir.

66

"Yours ever most cordially,

"G. LINCOLN.

Things are getting worse than ever with the Prince."

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Wycombe, Dec. 11, 1804. "I received your letter on Saturday, just as we were setting out for this place to meet Mr. Pitt. Mr. Pitt came hither to dinner on Saturday, and went away yesterday morning; he seems remarkably well, and in high spirits he thinks that additional strength in the House of Commons is very desirable, though not absolutely necessary. It will be derived from a quarter, if from any, which will not give much satisfaction to you and me. While he was here he wrote the rough copy of a letter to His Majesty, relative to the expected vacancy, as strong and as kind as I could wish; but still we all of us consider the event as uncertain.

"Yours ever most affectionately,

"G. LINCOLN."

"Buckden Palace, Dec. 18, 1804.

"Mr. Pitt has received no answer to his letter on

my business."

CHAPTER XL.

1804-1805.

Resignation of Lord Harrowby Reconciliation between Pitt and Addington Comments of Lord Camden and Bishop Tomline Lord Mulgrave appointed Secretary for Foreign Affairs Canning proposes to retire - Addington becomes President of the Council and Viscount Sidmouth Letter from Napoleon to George the Third - Deaths of Lord Loughborough and of Archbishop Moore - Application from Bishop Pelham - Parliamentary debates Establishment for the Princess Charlotte - Pitt's last Budget.

EARLY in December, and through an untoward accident, Mr. Pitt lost the aid of a principal colleague. Lord Harrowby missed his footing on the stone stair-case of the Foreign Office, and fell on the front part of his head. He was so much hurt that for some days his life was thought to be in danger. Even when he had recovered, his nerves were so much shaken, and his health was so far impaired, that he found it necessary to send in his resignation. It was a great loss, and one not easy to supply.

Before he made the new appointment which this misfortune rendered requisite, Mr. Pitt resolved to follow out the idea which had occurred to him of a considerable accession to his ranks. Why might not Pitt and Addington act once more together? They were now, it is true, upon the coldest terms. "I know," writes Thomas Grenville to a brother, "that only two

days before, upon Pitt touching his hat as he passed by Addington, Addington observed to Dyson, who was riding by his side, that even that greeting was new to him." Yet nothing had occurred between them inconsistent with the high honour of either. Nothing had passed to make impossible a renewal of their ancient friendship. If Addington would join the Government heartily and fully, there would follow not less than forty Members who had continued to adhere to him, and there would be established, beyond all the efforts of Fox and Grenville, a sufficient Ministerial majority in the House of Commons.

With these views the first step of Mr. Pitt was, through Lord Hawkesbury, to sound Mr. Addington. Finding the disposition favourable, he next wrote to consult the King. There could be no doubt of His Majesty's delighted acquiescence. The negotiation then proceeding, a personal interview between the two statesmen was arranged. It took place at Lord Hawkesbury's country house, Coombe Wood, on the afternoon of Sunday the 23rd of December; and Mr. Addington subsequently gave a full account of it to his friend the Speaker. It appears that Lord Hawkesbury quitted the room before Mr. Pitt came into it; and Pitt on entering stretched out his hand to Addington and said, "I rejoice to take you by the hand again." The interview continued three hours without any third person being

1 Courts and Cabinets of George | letter from his villa at Putney, Dec. the Third, vol. iii. p. 404. 17, 1804, and the King's answer

2 See in my Appendix Mr. Pitt's the next day.