LORD CHATHAM'S CORRESPONDENCE.

THESE volumes conclude the Correspondence. They commence in 1766, when WILLIAM PITT was induced by GEORGE the Third to endeavour to form a Ministry without materials, and to be made

a lord ; they close with the Earl's death in 1778. The epistles of the two first years chiefly relate to the difficulties in which the Government was involved, partly from its own discordant compo-

sition and the Royal intrigues, partly from Lord CHATHAM'S illness. The rest of the period is mainly occupied with letters displaying an active politician endeavouring to form, and marshal for attack, an Opposition as corrupt and selfish as the Ministry they would overturn, or exhibiting the querulousness of a veteran leader without troops. The second Ministry of Lord CHATHAM, or rather the Ministry which he assisted in forming, and in which he held the office of Privy Seal, is acknowledged to have been a failure, almost amount- ing to disgrace. The causes alleged for this have been several : the continued illness of CHATHAM, which prevented him from forming and carrying out any fixed course of policy ; the differing

principles and characters of his subordinates, each labouring, with- out check, to work out his own views ; the treachery of the Duke

of GRAFTON, and the duplicity of the King. The existence of the

three latter circumstances are as credible as any consequences from natural causes, even if no evidence, existed to prove them.

The illness of CHATHAM is a more dubious matter. The fact of

his physical incapacity was doubted by some of his contemporaries, and by the Court. Not much new light is thrown upon this curious point of Ministerial mysteries by the volumes before us.

All the direct evidence, no doubt, is clearly and strongly in favour of the illness ; but there are curious points which suggest them- selves to the mind of the reader, withont, however, amounting to proof. The gout, as BURKE puts it, was not the disease: it is described by Lady CHATHAM, who writes a good many of her hus- band's letters, as a kind of fever affecting the nerves, which it was to be hoped would be removed by an attack of the customary gout. If an affection of the nervous system really existed, no doubt a patient's condition might fluctuate by the day or even by the hour; but the letters of this period have left an impression on us that an opinion was declined on Cabinet business when other matters re- . ceived a conclusive answer. A physician whom the King, descend- ing from his wonted state, recommended with expressions of deep anxiety and high reliance, was gratefully and humbly declined. When a particular purpose rendered it necessary to affix the privy seal to a document, and a commission was appointed for that end, the sick man raised a point as to whether the office of Privy Seal was not ipso flute vacated by the Commission. Shutting one's eves to every thing but the correspondence before us, both the Duke of GRAFTON and the King had good reasons for resisting CnATHAm's resignation ; and when he had once fairly g;idtv.t. of office, he seems to have recovered his usual health very rapidly. What adds to the curiosity of the whole, is the apparent want of sufficient motive, it' the illness was exaggerated. Had Lord. CHATHAM been well enough to have given even an occasional atten- tion to business, he had merely to suggest a distinct line of policy, and resign on its being opposed or inefficiently carried out. The only intelligible presumption seems to be, that the Duke of GRAF- TON was treacherous, and the King equally so, raising up obstacles by secret influence to any thing like a CHATHAM policy ; but that the invalid Minister, being unable to prove it, withdrew himself from all connexion with the Cabinet and the Closet. That he thought the Duke of' GRAFI-cis had betrayed him, is known : what he thought of GEonoli the Third, in despite of his official letters, almost fulsome even for that time, may be gathered from an un- courtly speech of his upon the Civil List Debts. " The late good old King," says he, alluding to GEORGE the Second, " had something of humanity ; and amongst other royal and manly virtues, he pos- sessed justice, truth, and sincerity, in an eminent degree ; so that he had something- about him by which it teas possible to know whether lie liked you or disliled you.- The present collection is inferior in interest to the preceding volume, as the preceding volume was inferior to the first. A few of the letters throw a strong light upon time amiability of CilATHAsi's domestic character, and the especial affection with which he re- garded his son who was afterwards the celebrated WILLIAM PITT. The stern, uncompromising, straightforward character of the great Minister's mind is also apparent ; for although he displays a little of the landettor temporis (tell, and indulges in a pardonable contempt for the " thing called the Opposition" and for the "Tapestry," (his name for the House of Lords,) and although prudent in forming his plans of attack or of conduct, yet he never equivocates with his opinion, or descends to the " management" artifices of inferior men. Some biographical facts may be gleaned here and there ; some light is occasionally thrown upon the poli- tical events of the period ; and there is no lack of great names with instances of political self-seeking, or of hot friends cooling.

As a whole, however, the Correspondence is deficient in popular interest, in striking character, and in matter. It is useful, not to the student of history, but to the historian of the period: a selec- tion, however, would have suffice' for the world. The great statesman had hardly got into office in 1766 before he began to feel uneasy. There was a difficulty in filling up certain posts, and some who had posts were dissatisfied with the arrange- ments. Here is a complaining letter from Mr. SEYMOUR CONWAY, who in the first :Ministry of Mr. PITT would have been summarily cashiered for his quiet threats.

The Right Honourable Seymour Conway to the Earl of Chatham.

Little Warwick Street, :22d November 1766.

My Lord—I had the honour of your Lordship's note, acquainting me with the intention of dismissing Lord Edgecumbe, on account of his having refused the Bedchamber in lieu of the Treasurership of the Household ; and I must confess to your Lordship, that I heard it with great concern and surprise, as I think Lord Edg,ecumbe amen of that character and consideration, as should rather entitle him to the favour of Government than to any bad treatment ; and, as I understood when this matter was formerly talked of, that there was no intention of taking his staff, but on some arrangement made to which his Lordship should consent. I own the bedchamber, though in ninny respects very honourable, does not appear much to suit the age and-situation of Lord Edgecumbe ; so that I can neither be surprised at nor condemn his refusal ; and from the particular situation I stand in, well known to your Lordship, must confess myself much distressed and hurt with what passes on this occasion. I have not the least dis- position to any factious or caballing spirit ; but your Lordship knows, besides my want of taste and ambition for high employments, the difficulties which lay upon me when I accepted; and there are in such situations feelings which no man of honour and delicacy can divest himself of. I must further say, that there arc circumstances respecting Lord Edgecumbe that in a very particular manner affect myself: one, the great regard and friendship borne to him by the late Duke of Devonshire ; the other, that on a .vacancy in one of his boroughs t' other day, he, without hesitation, at once chose my nephew Lord Beauchamp ; and I must also say, that the influence of Lord Edgecumbe in Parliament, his command of boroughs, and inure than all, the offence that will, I doubt, be given to a set of gentlemen of great weight in this country, and the disquiet it may occasion his Majesty's Government, are reasons that ought, in my poor opinion, strongly to weigh against this mea- sure ; which I hope your Lordship will still prevent, before its execution ; as I must declare, without the least peevishness on the part in which I feel con- cerned, that I cannot with honour continue long in the situation I am in, un- less I can preserve that reputation of fairness and consistency which I think I must Mill:it by a seeming concurrence in such repeated injuries to those with whom 1 lately acted ; and to whom I conveyed an engagement, as I understood that far from being the objects of particular neglect or iesentment, they would rather, in preference, meet the favour and protection of Government under the present adininistration.

I am very sorry 1 had no opportunity of laying my thoughts on this subject before your Lordship sooner ; and shall now only add, that I am, with the greatest respect, your Lordship's most humble and obedient servant, 11. S. CONWAY. A PLACELESS POLITICIAN AT SIXTY-FOUR.

The Earl (f Chatham to the Earl of Shelburne.

Hayes 24th April 1771.

My dear Lord—My letters arc doomed to be tidings of ill to the public. I. learnt yesterday that Lord. Lyttclton is totally averse to attending a motion for dissolution. 1 have this day the mortification to hear from Lord Camden, that he disapproves and cannot attend it. I found in the Duke of Northum- berland no inclination to such a Motion, or expectation of support from others ; though, to do his Grace justice, full himself of right and worthy dispositions towards the constitution and public welfare. 1 need not add, that we have lit- tle support to expect from the other quarter of opposition. In this state, my dear Lord, what is most advisable? I am ready to bear my testimony ; but 1 think it deserves consideration, whether the great object, dissolution, from which 1 shall never depart, may not lose instead of gaining ground, by being so feebly asserted, and so largely forsaken within doors. Perhaps it may be better to leave it to the honest demand of the people without doors. I confess I am not a little wounded with unsea- sonable refinements in sonic, and tergiversations in others. 1 wish very anxiously to learn your Lordship's thoughts under this dilemma, and to be as- sisted in taking the fittest resolution for the public, by the opinion of one who, I know, truly pursues the good of the whole. My complaint will not let go its hold, though 1 rather mend daily. I am ever, with the truest attachment, my dear Lord,

Your Lordship's most faithful and unalterable friend and servant, CuATIIAM.

The interest attached to the persons of the writers imparts a value to the following letters, independent of the affectionate cha- racter they breathe. It will be seen that the future boy Minister was making his first appearance at college.

The Honourable William Pitt to the Earl of Chatham.

Pembroke Hall, Friday Morning, Sill October 1773. I have the pleasure of writing to my dear father, after having breakfasted upon college rolls, and made some acquaintance with my new quarters, which seem, or the short examination I have given, neat and convenient. But before I apply myself to any other employment, I make use of broken minutes, to in- form you of our being seated within these venerable walls. Our journey from the place at which I had the happiness of addressing a let- ter for Halloo Pyilssiit has been accomplished with inuch'ease. By reaching Dartford Bridge the second night, we had abundance of time upon our Minds. so that we might have reached our goalsthe fourth night ; but it was judged better to come in in a morning, that we teipht have the day before us to settle in our new habitation. To make out our live days, we took the road by Bin- held, and called in on Mr. Wilson's citrate there; who soon engaged with his rector in a most vehement controversy, and supported his opinions with Cice- roman-action and flaming eyes. Our road from thence to Staines was through Windsor Forest and Park, &c. and was a very agreeable drive. We slept last night at Parkway, where we learnt that Pembroke was a sober, staid college, and nothing but solid study there. I find, indeed, we arc to be grave in appa- rel, as even a silver button is not allowed to sparkle along our quadrangles, &c. ; so that my hat is soon to be stripped of its glories, in exchange Mr a Plain loop and button.

I must beg you to pardon all the irregularities of this hasty epistle, as it has been frequently broken off by the intervention of tailor, hosier, hatter, semp- stress, and others ; and since by the obliging visits of many of the Fellows of the college, who inquired after you and all at Burton Pynsent : they were in great hopes to have had the pleasure of Pitt's company, here, and many other civilities. 1 have not yet seen Dr. Brown ; he not being at present in college, but it is expected every hour. Among others, the proctor has called upon me : this first was a friendly visit, and may, perhaps, be considered as a good Omen. I have nothing more to add, but duty and love in abundance to my- mother and brothers and sisters ; some of whom will, I hope, convey for me the kindest remembrance to Mrs. Sperry.

I am, my dear father, your most dutiful and affectionate son,

WILLIAM PITT. The Earl of Chatham to the Honourable William Pitt. Burton Pytwent, 9th October 1773. Thursday's post brought us no letter from the dear traveller • we trust this day will prove more satisfactory. It is the happy day that gave us your bro- ther, and will not be less in favour with all here it it should give us, about four o'clock, an epistle from my dear William. By that hour, I reckon, we shall be warm in our cups, and shall not fail to pour forth, with renewed joy, grateful libations over the mitch-wished tidings of your prosperous progress towards your destination. We compute that yesterday brought you to the venerable aspect of Alma Mater, and that you are invested to-day with the toga

Your race of manly virtue and useful knowledge is now begun ; and may the favour of heaven smile upon the noble career !

Little Beckford was really disappointed nt not being in time to see you—a good mark for my young vivid friend. lie 6 just as much compounded of the elements of air and fire as he was. A due proportion of terrestrial solidity will, I trust, come and make hint perfect. How happy, my loved boy, is it that your mamma and I can tell ouraelves, there is at Cambridge one without a beard, "and all the elements su mixed in him, that nature might stead up and say, This is a man I" I now take leave fiur to-day, not meaning this for what James calls a regular letter, but a fl ying thought, that wings itself towards in absent William. Horses are ready, and all is birthday. Bradshaw has shone, this auspicious morning, in a very fine speech of congratulation ; but 1 foresee " his sun sets weeping in the lowly west ;" that is, a fatal howl of punch will, before night, quench this luminary of oratory. Adieu, again and again, sweet bay; and iF you acquire health and strength every time I wish them to you, you aria be a second Samsun ; and, what is more, will, I am sure, keep your hair. Every good wish attends your kind 1010w-traveller and chum; nor will he be forgot 111 our flowing bowls to-day.

Du. is Chatham's bandwriiimr.)

If more could be said expreseive ef feAings, my deare:4 dear boy, I would add a letter to this epistle ; but as it is composed, I will only sign to its expres• site contents.

Your fond and loving mother, Ilassam CHATHAM.

The care of the editors is still visible, as well in the notes as in the illustrative matter, Materiel...), an ample index and numerous autographs. The letter attributed to JUNIUS, (2d January 1768; Vol. III. page 302) has considerable resemblance to that writer's style, and possesses this curious fimture, that an unknown and anonymous writer should expect his assertions to be credited by CHATHAM as to matters of firct respecting his colleagues. It would, however, have been desirable to know whether the editors possessed any further proof of its ideutity than a resemblance of handwritings ; for JUNIUS did not make use of that signature till twelve months after the date of this communication.