mentioned your friend Gordon to Egremont.) If you care for it do the same, in short, my Lord, Concordiâ res parvæ crescunt, discordiâ, &c., &c. Alas, alas!"[1]
An interview, in consequence of this letter, took place with Grenville at which the point was finally settled on the old footing, Shelburne waiving his claims, and on April 7th he was able to write to Bute: "As to myself be assured there will not be a more good-humoured and less complaining member of the Cabinet, and very decided." He joined the Cabinet, and was sworn a Privy Councillor on April 20th. Calcraft hearing of the appointment, and of the continued outcry raised by the friends of Lord Holland, advised Shelburne to be firm at his new post notwithstanding their abuse. "I am, and ever shall be thankful, for the handsome and steady part your Lordship has acted towards me, and let what will be the fate of our Politics, we shall, I hope live happy in our friendship: and you shall in every station find me truly devoted to you. If my letter has vexed it has answered one purpose.[2] The galled horse will wince, and strong truths will affect the most hardened heart; I cannot feel sorry at your reproach, because you have shown sense and firmness as well as the utmost activity in the part you have taken this winter, and gained universal credit. You will find it more difficult to retire than you imagine, for, on cool reflection, they will not drive from them the only man whose honor and ability they can confide in. That you have stood forth in support of me does and ever will afford a satisfaction nothing can erase from my memory, and be assured, my dear Lord, that in all times and on all occasions I shall ever remain, as I now am,[3]
"Most respectfully, faithfully,
- ↑ Bute to Shelburne, March 29th, 1763. Lord Halifax and Lord Egremont were the two Secretaries of State in this short-lived Administration, and with Grenville were known as "the Triumvirate."
- ↑ Alluding to the letter he had written to Lord Holland. See supra, p. 160.
- ↑ Calcraft to Shelburne, April 30th, 1763.
