^{page 52 note 1} Prince's Chamber.

^{page 53 note 1} Lord George Germaine was commander-in-chief of the British forces in Germany under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. After the battle of Minden, August 1, 1759, he was not mentioned in despatches. He returned home, was tried by courtmartial at his own request, but in consequence was removed from all his military commands. He was also Secretary of State for the American Colonies since 1775. He resigned this in Feb. 1782, and on Feb. 11 was created Baron Bolebrooke and Viscount Sackville. He died 1785.

Horace Walpole says, Feb. 7, 1782 (vol. viii. p. 149): “Don't imagine that otium cum dignitate was his own choice, still less his master's, and still less is that a sacrifice to a ruined nation. No, it is a mere cabal, an effort of a faction, whose fear first dictated it. During the recess the Lord Advocate wrote to Lord North that he could not serve any longer with Lord George, and the letter was delivered most unwillingly. The letter was exceedingly ill received, and Lord George was much pressed to remain; nay, this day sevennight the Lord Advocate was not spoken to. However as mighty emperors must submit now and then to their Janissaries, Hawkins himself is rewarded for this closet insurrection with the place of Treasurer of the Navy (6000l. a-year), in the room of old Ellis (ready for all posts), who is made Secretary of State for late America.”

^{page 54 note 1} His motion had reference to the surrender of Cornwallis.

^{page 54 note 2} On the question of adjournment the division was 75 against 28.

^{page 55 note 1} The Duke of Dorset, ambassador in France in 1763, was Lord George's nephew.

^{page 55 note 2} Sunday 10 and Monday 11.

^{page 55 note 3} An Irish peer, nephew of the great soldier. He died in this year.

^{page 55 note 4} Tuesday 12. The House adjourned over Ash Wednesday till Friday 15.

^{page 57 note 1} The protest ran thus: “Because we cannot look upon the raising to the peerage a person so circumstanced in any other light than as a measure fatal to the interests as well as the glory of the Crown and to the dignity of this House, insulting to the memory of the late sovereign and likewise to every succeeding branch of the illustrious House of Brunswick, repugnant to every principle of military discipline, and directly contrary to the maintenance of that honour which has for ages been the glorious characteristic of the British nation, and which, as far as depends on us, we find ourselves called upon not more by duty than by inclination to transmit pure and unsullied to posterity.”—Rogers' Protests of the Lords, vol. ii. p. 212.

^{page 58 note 1} As Lord North's Ministry was now in the agonies of dissolution, it became important to know who were to succeed them. Lord Shelburne and Lord Rockingham, both Whigs, but leaders of different sections, disagreed principally on the question of recognising the independence of America.

^{page 58 note 2} General Conway's motion for putting an end to the American war was lost only by one vote, 193 to 194. Pitt and Pox both spoke in favour of it. Fox immediately . gave notice that the question would be raised again, which was done on Feb. 27.

^{page 58 note 3} HoraceWalpole says of this, March 1, 1762 (vol. viii. p. 171) : “On Wednesday last General Conway renewed his motion for an address of pacification with America, and carried the question by a majority of nineteen. His speech was full of wit, spirit, and severity. After the debate Mr. Fox complimented him publicly on this second triumph, he also having been the mover of the repeal of the Stamp Act. In short he stands in the highest light, and all his fame is unsullied by the slightest suspicion of interested or factious motives in his conduct.”

^{page 59 note 1} The King's answer to the address was expressed as follows: “Gentlemen of the House of Commons: There are no objects nearer to my heart than the ease, happiness, and prosperity of my people. You may be assured that in pursuance of your advice I shall take such measures as shall appear to me to be most conducive to the restoration of harmony between Great Britain and the revolted colonies so essential to the prosperity of both, and that my efforts shall be directed in the most effectual manner against our European enemies until such a peace can be obtained as shall consist with the interests and permanent welfare of my kingdoms.”

^{page 60 note 1} Spies employed by the Government to run the blockade between France and England, then at war.

^{page 60 note 2} A curious recognition of the power of Voltaire and Rousseau, which was afterwards to show itself so prominently in the Revolution. As a matter a fact, Louis XVI. and his Ministers were strongly disposed to peace and amity with England.

^{page 60 note 3} First Viscount Hampden and fourth Lord Trevor. He was a man of great distinction, a fellow of the Royal Society ; his later poems were printed by Bodoni. He died in the following year.

^{page 61 note 1} An account of the negociations between Lord Thurlow and Lord Rockiugkam is to be found in Albemarle's Life of Mockingham, vol. ii. p. 451, following. It began on March 11, in the House of Lords, much as the conversation with Carmarthen reported above. He asked E. to suggest a plan of arrangement and form an administration (as he expressed it) on a broad bottom. On Thursday, March 14, Bockingham proposed the following scheme, “American independence, no veto; Establishment Bill; great part of Contractors Bill; Custom House and Excise, &c; peace in general if possible; economy in every branch.” The negociations broke for the moment, because the King wished to form his Ministry first and discuss measures afterwards, whereas Lord Kockingham said to Lord Thurlow (March 16) “I must confess that I do not think it an advisable measure first to attempt to form a Ministry by arrangement of office and afterwards to decide upon what principle or measures they are to act.” It was still going on, March 18.