On Monday, Feb. 17, on the question relative to the Prelimry ministry carried it only by 13 votes, including proxys, in the H. of Lds, and were beat in the H. of comm8 224 to 208. On the Fryday following they were again beat in the H. of Comms 207 to 190.

On the Wednesday evig., Feb. 19, I shewed the draught of a letter I proposed sending to Ld Grantham to his Lp. and Ld Shelburne relative to my wish to resign the Embassy to France in case of a change of Ministers. Ld Sh. desired I would not make up my mind yet, and begged I would trust him in the course of my determination on the present very delicate situation of public affairs. The next day I dined at his house. I could not help expressing my surprize to Ld Grantham at the conduct of Lord Shelburne, which appeared to me totally devoid of spirit and inconsistent with the opinion I had entertained of his Lps activity of mind, particularly on occasions that called for vigorous measures. Ld G. perfectly agreed with me, as did the D. of Rutland, with whom I had some conversation on the same subject. I afterwards just mentioned confidentially to La Sh. that I had my doubts a certain person might not be acting a fair part towards him. He appeared struck at my suggestion, and only answered, “You know him.”