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230 Crown, as to uphold the authority of Parliament in American affairs. Thus it was that in July both Grenville and Bedford and their colleagues retired, and Pitt was once more sent for to form a Ministry. He demanded and the King consented to a legislative condemnation of general warrants, the repeal of the cider tax, a change of the American stamp tax, and an alliance with Prussia; but owing to the perversity of Temple, who was now reconciled to his brother, the author of the Stamp Act, and was acting under his influence, the negotiation again failed.

"I came to town," writes Shelburne to Barré, "yesterday on a political call. Mr. Pitt thought he had agreed so far with the King the Saturday before that there could be no further difference in essentials, and sent for Lord Temple with a view to proceed immediately to particular arrangements. However, Lord Temple found himself under a necessity, on coming to town on the Monday, to decline the Treasury for certain delicate and tender reasons, which hitherto have remained unexplained as to particulars or the public. Mr. Pitt abides by his opinion that the ground was sufficient to proceed upon if Lord Temple had acceded, but without him at his right hand it was impossible for him to resist the difficulties that threatened from different quarters, and is hitherto positive in this opinion. The King however being determined to dismiss those at present about him, it is generally supposed will take the advice of his Uncle, and an administration is expected to be formed in consequence by Friday.

"As long as I imagined this was likely to come to anything, I was sorry you had gone so soon, but as things stand I think you will be of another sentiment. In all events you may depend on hearing further, when the measure appears fixed.

"I should go out of town immediately, but I have some Wiltshire business, which will detain me till Saturday. I wish you entertainment where you are; no place can be duller than London."