PREFACE
In 1872 I commenced a report on the MSS. at Lansdowne House for the Historical MSS. Commission, which appeared in the publications of the Historical MSS. Commission.[1]
During the progress of my work I came to the conclusion that sufficient materials would exist for a Life of Lord Shelburne, if, in addition to the papers at Lansdowne House and Bowood, the papers of Lord Bute in the possession of the Earl of Harrowby, and those of Henry Fox, the first Lord Holland, at Holland House, were at my disposal.
I accordingly asked permission of Lord Harrowby and Lady Holland to inspect their respective collections, and I was allowed by them to take copies of the letters and papers relating to the period during which Lord Shelburne, Lord Bute, and Henry Fox were in frequent communication.
In 1874 Mr. George Bancroft placed at my disposal various notes and transcripts of great value relating to the negotiations of 1782-1783 which he had made from h the French archives. The Duke of Grafton also gave me the use of the MS. Autobiography of his ancestor, the Prime Minister, which has since been edited by Sir
- ↑ Third Report, pp. 125-147; Fifth Report, pp. 215-260; Sixth Report, pp. 235-243.
