at the
drawing-room: and, I believe, the new ministry will not be quite
fixed, until the levee-day next week.

As to my business--I have done all I can to bring it to a point.

The pension recommended by Lord Grenville was only like Walpole's--a
nominal two thousand pounds. I have represented the injustice of
that--after my having had the King's promise of not being removed
from Naples, but at my own request; and having only empowered Lord
Grenville to remove me, on securing to me a nett income of two
thousand pounds per annum.

Lord Grenville has recommended to the Treasury, the taking my
extraordinary expences into consideration.

I have fully demonstrated, to Lord Grenville and Treasury, that
eight thousand pounds is absolutely necessary for the clearing off my
unfunded debt, without making up for my losses.

Upon the whole, then, I do not expect to get more than the nett
annuity above mentioned, and the eight thousand pounds. But, unless
that is granted, I shall, indeed, have been very ill-used! I hope, in
my next, to be able to inform your Lordship that all has been finally
settled.

I am busy in putting in order the remains of my vases and pictures,
that you so kindly saved for me on board the Fourdroyant; and the sale
of them will enable me to go on more at my ease, and not leave a debt
unpaid. But, unfortunately, there have been too many picture sales
this year, and mine will come late.

Adieu! my very dear Lord. May health and success attend you, wherever
you go! And, I flatter myself, this political jumble may hasten a
peace, and bring you back soon.

Your Lordship's ever obliged, and most sincerely attached, friend and
servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

VIII.

Piccadilly, February 20th, 1801.

MY DEAR LORD,

You need not be the least alarmed, that Emma has commissioned me to
send you the newspapers; and write you a line, to tell you that she is
much better--having vomited naturally, and is now purposing to take a
regular one of tartar emetic.

All her convulsive complaints certainly proceed from a foul stomach;
and I will answer for it, she will be in spirits to write to you
herself to-morrow.

Adieu! my very dear Lord. I have not a moment to lose, as the bell is
going.

Your ever attached and obliged humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

IX.

Piccadilly, March 7th, 1801.

MY VERY DEAR LORD,

I wish it was in my power to profit of your kind invitation; you would
soon