the Treasury, it is not surprising that he was not very anxious to take office with him, though at the same time obliged to allow him to be necessary at the moment: the only possible alternative being the Newcastle Whigs, with or without Pitt, of which the first meant the continuation of the war, and the second implied the rule of an oligarchy of exclusive incompetence. He accordingly refused the offers which Bute at this time made to him, though they were supported by the urgent entreaties of Fox, to whom he explained his present attitude in the following letter:
Shelburne to Fox.
May 20th, 1762.
Dear Sir,—Lord Bute desired me to name what I wished, which I declined, declaring that emolument was not my object, no more than my turn was to live a mere attendant upon a Court; in which I could not help differing from Lord Talbot, who is desirous to remain where he is, and never to be of a Cabinet nor consulted upon business, but always ready to act for the personal service of the King or Lord Bute. Men of independent fortune should be trustees between King and people, and contrive to think in whatever they do to be occupied in actions of service to both, without being slaves to either. It will rest here I hope till I see you. I wish Lady Holland joy of your being better,—since I am sure she will be the happier by it. The town air is still unwholesome, and though Lord Bute wishes you to be in town on account of politicks, I do not want you to hurry on account of your health, till rain puts an end to this unhealthy state of the air.
Who, in the House of Commons, can be Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Fox replied in these terms:
