Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 1).djvu/196

170 in most of its circumstances, there is I believe no example in our history. The pretensions of such as now hold offices of the second rank in the House of Lords will be raised to a degree that cannot be gratified, and their disgust and disappointment will either break out into an open resistance, or at least prevent any cordial support.

"In a discussion of this kind, it will be absolutely necessary to know the sentiments of individuals, which the secrecy you require makes it impossible for me to do; and therefore obliges me to represent things as they at present appear to me.

"You will consider how far this appointment will meet with the cordial approbation of all or any of those from whom, in that House, this system must expect assistance; from Lord Halifax, Lord Egremont, Lord Chancellor, Lord Mansfield; from Lord Egmont, Lord Marchant, Lord Denbigh, &c.; from the Duke of Bedford, Lord Gower and all their friends. I know not their sentiments, and therefore cannot decide upon them; but as far as my own uninformed judgment goes, I cannot persuade myself that many of these, even of the most congenial, would bear Lord Shelburne's being put at once over their heads with satisfaction or content. In the House of Commons the same jealousies and uneasinesses will probably arise, and I see very few, if any, of the considerable persons there whose approbation and hearty concurrence with this measure could be depended upon.

"I cannot at present believe that it would be agreeable to the country gentlemen of any denomination, either Whigs or Tories, nor to those who for many years have holden distinguished offices of Government, even if the majority of them should acquiesce under it, which I think uncertain. As to Mr. Charles Townshend it will throw him into immediate opposition.

"What impression it will make upon many others I will not say, but I fear not a favourable one.

"I will not specify individuals, as I may be deceived,