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94 conversation with him upon the footing of his note, which I received instantly as I returned home.

Most sincerely yours,

A few days after their interview Shelburne received a letter from Fox, which said:

"Let me beg you to read over the inclosed thoughts to-morrow, before you have that conversation which will probably decide of my conduct.

"You are certainly mistaken as to the possibility of gaining any credit by partial or moderate opposition. Such might be carried on in concert with persons seemingly opposed, but the friendship ought to be strong and well cemented between those who oppose, and are seemingly opposed.

"I see no such friendship wished for with me. You have so often heard that I question whether you yourself are not of opinion that my unwillingness to oppose may proceed from interested and pecuniary views, at least in some measure. Indeed it does not, nor do those who set about that calumny believe it, for they saw me refuse the Secretaryship of State in 1754, and resign it in 1756, and I am afraid will see me resign the Pay Office, which when I have done, you will be sorry for it. My dear Lord, I shall not do it till forced by honour, and consequently cannot afterwards repent of it.

"I'll wait on you after or about two to-morrow. Adieu."

"If Lord Bute imagines I ever thought of getting this great favour by the Duke of Cumberland without his help, he must imagine me the silliest fellow in England.

"If the message I sent his Lordship by Lord Fitzmaurice does not express Lord Bute to be in my opinion under the King sole master of the event, I do not understand English.