Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 1).djvu/258

232 the satisfaction and happiness it would give me to serve him in any situation, much more in the considerable one your Lordship does me the honour to point out to me. I am therefore extremely concerned that, besides the total ignorance I am under in regard to the measures you propose to pursue, a real consciousness of my own inability in so active an office, to which the domestic habits I have lately fallen into add not a little, makes it absolutely incumbent on me to decline the honour done me, through a conviction that more evil might come to His Majesty's affairs than the little aid I could ever hope to give could compensate.

As to my future conduct your Lordship will pardon me if I say "measures and not men" will be the rule of it, especially as I can add that, besides the sincere affection I shall ever bear His Majesty's person, my opinion of the present state of this country in many respects is such, as will make it matter of very serious concern to me, not to concur in whatever shall be proposed by His Majesty's Ministers.

This, as I recollect, contains the substance of my conversation to Mr. Dempster, when he did me the favour to call on me some time ago, and in the course of his visit took occasion to speak to me of myself. I am sorry it is impossible for me to give your Lordship any light in regard to Colonel Barre. Too many public events have happened since he has been at a distance, that I cannot even conjecture what his sentiments may be in the present situation. Your Lordship may be assured, if he approves the public plan of government proposed, I shall hear with the greatest pleasure of his obeying the King's commands, and yielding to your Lordship's wishes.

I have the honour to be, with great consideration and regard,