off that port, has once and again been insulted from the coast, on which he has stood nigh in shore, silenced the enemy's fire, landed, and thrown their cannon into the sea: this success might give him hopes of becoming masters of the Isle of Groa at the same easy rate, and having communicated his design to Mr. Boscawen for his approbation, obtained leave to make an attempt in case he could do it without risk to men or ships; and the result has shewn it impracticable, unless he brought a ship or two to cannonade the batteries more effectually than one of the frigates did, otherwise he must lay the design aside, which I believe is the case, and thus Sir, ends this little, grand, feasible scheme.

This is the sum and substance of what I can at this time transmit; there are too many obvious remarks to be made, upon what is too visible in Quiberon Bay, and I shall never more be surprised at the immoderate increase of the National Debt, when there is seemingly so great a want of economy.

In my letter of the 10th of May last, I intimated how easy and practicable it was to become masters of any of the Islands in Quiberon, which may be as easily accomplished now as then; and if there was no other advantage than that of the supply of water, would be more than a balance for the small degree of risk our men or ships could run; for the number of transports now employed as victuallers, exceeds by one half what the service demands or requires, and I am sure the numbers would be much diminished by having a supply of water from an island, which is now brought to the fleet from Plymouth.

As, for instance, there is one transport ship laden with water (from which we had a supply), that came to

an anchor about the middle of March last, and at the time we took our water from her, the Master declared the amount of his pay and ships was but very little less than 2000l., which I think too much evidences the want of that economy which will tend much to establish the national interest, and prevent the too just clamours of an injured people.

My thoughts and reflections sue your well known candour, if judged premature. I have the honour to be, &c. NATHANIEL COTTON.

EARL TEMPLE TO MR. GRENVILLE.

October 4, 1760.

MR. PITT has desired me, my dear Brother, to send to you for your perusal these very important papers: what the decision at the Court of Spain will be I know not, but Jemmy tells me, who came here yesterday, that the Duke of N. and Lord H. admire to the highest degree the very manly, temperate, and able answer which has been given to the matter of the two very extraordinary memorials'. You will be so good as to send them back by the bearer.

The very wet weather has hitherto interposed such a gulph betwixt the Cormorant and us, that we must wait 'till the crows have picked up the dirt, and till your gravel is dry.

Many kind compliments to all Wotton from all Stowe. Your most affectionate. TEMPLE.

1

See Parliamentary History, vol. xv. p. 1018, &c.

MR. JENKINSON TO MR. GRENVILLE.

Bury Street, October 11, 1760.

DEAR SIR.-I arrived in town on Wednesday last, and found it full of nothing but good news. I passed my time after I left you, some part at Sir John Cope's, but much the greater part at Nuneham. My Lord Harcourt obliged me to employ my leisure hours in perfecting those purposes which you know I had in hand. I have totally new modelled the work, have added to it new thoughts and new materials, and, as far as I have gone, have made it as perfect as I am able. I have finished the two parts that relate to ourselves and to the enemy what relates to the neutral powers I have not yet finished. But, after all, I am very unwilling to produce it, and had rather that it should rest in my own bureau.

The last fault I would willingly be thought guilty of is presumption, and I am apprehensive that my very attempt shall be thought presumptuous, though the execution is (as it ought to be, and as I hope mine is) modest. When you, however, come to town you shall see it, if you will do me that honour, and judge of it.

There are as yet, I believe, no steps taken towards a Peace: I suspect, however, that there will be soon, for reasons that I cannot explain by letter, and I fancy that an opportunity may before then be given me, of producing my papers in a manner that may make the production of them less improper than it would be otherwise. I am forced to speak mysteriously. Whatever may be the issue of this affair, which is very important to my own interests, I can only say that I mean well.

VOL. I.

A A

We have nothing new to-day from Germany; yesterday brought us an account that the Castle of Cleves had surrendered, and that the Hereditary Prince had got his heavy cannon up to Wesel; but there was no account then of any motion in Broglio's army. It is what Broglio will now do that every one here is very anxious to know.

I hope that Mrs. Grenville continues to enjoy perfect health. I was glad to hear from Mr. Lloyd' that she was so at the time he left Wotton. I should have been over there again myself, before I came to town, if Lord Harcourt had not kept me prisoner, as some booksellers do their poor authors when they want them to finish copy already paid for. But I have lately had an opportunity of knowing of your healths, which I believe you don't suspect. I had not been long gone from Wotton, before Mr. Deska admitted me into the number of those he favours with his correspondence, and I have had from him variety of politically poetic letters. He has drawn from me one in answer, and I believe I must send him another soon; pray don't betray me to my correspondent.

There is added a Battalion of Guards to the troops that were ordered before on the Expedition. It is said that Kingsley is to command them. Keppel leads the squadron out, and when it comes to the Bay, it is to be under the command of Sir Edward Hawke.

I am, &c., &c.

C. JENKINSON.

1 Probably Philip Lloyd, afterwards Dean of Norwich. He was at this time tutor to Mr. Grenville's children. He died in 1790.

2. Extraordinary preparations were made for this Expedition, which was, however, countermanded in December following, and the troops disembarked.

MR. PITT TO MR. GRENVILLE.

St. James's Square, October 18, 1760.

DEAR GRENVILLE,-I have waited many a tedious day for the arrival of news from the armies, in hopes to have sent you something better than my best thanks for the favour of your obliging letter, but no public news arriving, I have still some of a private nature to impart which will give you pleasure, which is, that our two girls may now be considered as convalescent.

The Address of the City of London' will speak for itself, and I believe you will think that it speaks loud enough to be heard at Paris, to the no great satisfaction of the Controller-General, and the whole tribe of Financiers. How it was heard at Kensington you need not be told, as the Address is big with a million in every line. Were it able to produce an advantageous peace it would be most happy next to that, such generous and warm assurances of supporting the war, cannot but give the highest satisfaction to Government.

I don't know your resolution about coming to town, but if you shall be, at the Birth-day, and the Duke of Newcastle has not secured you, you will do me great pleasure if you will dine with me that day.

I am ever, &c., &c.

W. PITT.

MR. PITT TO MR. GRENVILLE.

Thursday, past Four o'clock (November 13, 1760).

DEAR GRENVILLE,—I send you with this the King's speech, as it will be submitted to His Majesty; perhaps

1 Upon the taking of Montreal.

2 The King did not live for another birth-day. He died suddenly, on the 25th instant.