to a close: Louis XV. wrote to the Spanish monarch with his
own hand, that he would not have war, and instructions were immediately
sent to London to Prince Masserano, the Spanish envoy, to accept the
propositions offered by the British Cabinet.

CHANGES IN THE MINISTRY.

During the Christmas recess, ministers were employed in gaining converts
from the ranks of the opposition, and in making arrangements to complete
and strengthen the administration. Lord Weymouth having resigned the
seals of secretary of state, they were given to Lord Sandwich, who was
succeeded in his office of postmaster-general by the Honourable H. F.
Thynne. Mr. Wedderburne, the pet of Chatham and the city, abandoned his
friends, and became solicitor-general to the queen; while Thurlow was
made attorney-general in the place of Mr. de Grey, who was created
chief-justice of the common pleas. A chancellor was now also found in
the person of the Hon. Henry Bathurst, who took the title of Baron
Apsley. Lord Sandwich held the seals of secretary of state but for a few
days. Having expressed a wish to be transferred to the admiralty, he was
placed at the head of that board, instead of Sir Edward Hawke, and Lord
Halifax succeeded him as secretary of state, giving up the privy seal
to the Earl of Suffolk; Lord Rochford was removed to the southern
department. Mr. Grenville had recently paid the great debt of
nature, or he would have probably again come into office, but several
of his friends were introduced into the ministry, by which it gained a
considerable accession of talent.

CHAPTER IV.

{GEORGE III. 1771-1773}

Re-opening of Parliament..... Proceedings against
Shoreham..... Resolutions respecting the Publication of
Debates..... Committal of the Lord Mayor and Alderman Oliver
to the Tower..... Contest between the City and
Legislature..... The question of the Middlesex Election.....
The question of the Dissolution of Parliament..... The
Session closed..... Release of the Lord Mayor and Alderman
Oliver..... Education of the Prince of Wales..... City
Petition to the King..... Disputes in the City..... Meeting
of Parliament..... Debates on Subscription to the Thirty-
nine Articles..... ecclesiastical _Nullum Tempus_ Bill.....
The case of Dr. Nowell..... Test and Corporation Acts.....
The Royal Marriage Act..... East India Affairs..... The
Session closed..... Fate of t