succeed Bute. "I will trust to your Lordship's confidence," writes Calcraft, "in my faith and attachment to you to receive and consider this letter, not from a man whose fortune is made by Mr. Fox, but as your well-wisher at this juncture in preference to all other connections, and as one who wishes to lay before you every thought that occurs on events so very material to your future credit.
"We both know Mr. Fox in lights I should rejoice we did not. Yesterday was but a confirmation of what I have before seen. Before I proceed further therefore, let me premise, if you are not sure of getting and keeping the King to yourself, at least from him, don't harbour any the smallest thought of accepting his offer. If you are, he will act agreeably, and look up to you; if not, I am sorry to say you know what will be the case you know too all his weaknesses—George Grenville's—you can only guess at. There is a possibility of our correcting and influencing the one though not the other.
"In this light it is worth your consideration whether you should or should not try to get him the Treasury. He has ability, his friends have confidence in him, and the world in general an opinion of his talents for this station. What may be his meaning at bottom of this offer, made under the influence of his brother, should be weigh'd also. I believe he'll get the Treasury, but there may be some foresight in case of its refusal, though upon my honour he has not hinted a word more than I have told you. Think upon all this, my Lord, as impartially as I write it, and with the same view, which is, that prejudice too well founded may not make you prefer the other system without due determination on the good or bad consequences that may attend Mr. Fox's being Minister. I never wrote on so delicate a subject, nor would I to any other man so commit myself, therefore burn my letter the moment you have read it. But be assured the motive of it is the sincerest regard and truest attention to your happiness and welfare, which makes me wish no thought to escape you."[1]
- ↑ Calcraft to Shelburne, March 22nd, 1763.
