what ought to be, is not always to be depended
upon. You can judge better than I can, because you have probably
sure information, and I can only form conclusions by what everyone
sees and knows. From what Lord Germain said, C(harles) Fox told him
that when he impeached Lord Sandwich, he should consider him as a
principal witness.

The most melancholy events are predicted with regard to the W(est)
Indies. Indeed it is true that everything is now at the mercy of the
Enemy, and it is their fault if any possessions whatever, either in
N(orth) America or in the W(est) Indies, remain under the British
Empire. Our affairs in Ireland go on pretty well, and that is the
only place where they do. (The) Lord Advocate made a downright, open
speech, but Lord Geo(rge) did not understand it; though parts of it,
by what the Advocate has said in debate, were most probably levelled
at him.

(1781), Dec. 4, Tuesday morning.--I found, when I came home last
night, this letter from your son, which I enclose. Dr. Ekins shewed
me a letter from him yesterday, which was with less mistakes in the
writing, and was verily (sic) prettily expressed, but it was
shorter. I find my idea of the Provostship will never do. There are
other arrangements for him, and the Provostship, as I hear, will be
given to Dampier, Mr. North's tutor.

Burke's Motion is withdrawn. The Opposition thought this was exactly
the proper moment to increase and inflame the quarrel between us and
the Americans. Unluckily for them, Government is in possession of a
letter from Mr. Laurens,(185) in which he expresses himself
perfectly satisfied with the treatment of him, in all respects; so
this was communicated to Burke. I heard of no other business
yesterday, or of any news, but Lord Cornwallis, it is said, goes to
Paris. I do not envy him the civilities which he will receive there.

Monsieur de Maurepas(186) heard of our defeat just before he died,
and expired with a line of Mitridate in his mouth, which sounded as
well I suppose as a Nuncdimittis, and was as sincere:

Mes demurs regards ont vu fuir les Remains.

An old coxcomb! I wish that I could live to see our hands trempes
dans le sang odieux de cette nation infernale, rather than our
petits maitres here, in Caca du Dauphin, Boue de Paris, Bile
repandue du Comte d'Artois, ou vomis (sic) de la Reine. Ce sont les
couleurs les plus a la mode, et pour le Carnaval qui vient.

Lord Loughborough has the gout, and is confin