attention by it, that makes me rather write than wait upon you, to tell you the particulars of a conversation I had yesterday at the French Minister's with Lord Rockingham, very much at his desire; which upon consideration since was so distinct, and had so much the appearance of premeditation, that it certainly must have been intended to be communicated directly to you, or else that, as from myself, it should make part of the first conversation you honoured me with, which I look upon as the same thing. But as I neither gave any opinion, and do profess myself totally unable to form any, and nothing passed which makes it necessary for me to renew the conversation, I think this way of communicating it may be more convenient, than desiring to wait upon you.
Lord Rockingham said he intended waiting on you on Saturday but was prevented; that the time was now come, or coming very soon, when something settled was to be formed, if ever, without regard to the Duke of Bedford's party on the one hand, or Lord Bute's on the other; but that he was glad of an opportunity to tell me where he was under the greatest apprehensions it would hitch, and that all that he could do could not prevent it.
He then stated his own situation with regard to some individuals whom though his opinion led him to be almost sure Mr. Pitt would not treat with harshness in newcasting the system—and was it only himself that was in question, it could not meet with a moment's doubt—yet he could not with any content of mind go into anything where they were to be left to what they might call uncertainty; that, in regard to the Duke of Newcastle and Mr. Yorke, though he had reason to believe they might be brought into everything that was desired, yet it was to be wished that it should be proposed with a certain degree of regard, and that manner might reconcile men's minds to that which it would be impossible ever to force them to.
I observed or at least thought he avoided saying whether the seals were to be Mr. Yorke's object, but seemed carefully to adhere to such general terms upon Mr. Yorke's subject, as I have mentioned. He then
